AIM PROJECT: IWS successfully completes two validation pilot sessions in Málaga, engaging 40 SME professionals and entrepreneurs
IWS has successfully completed two face-to-face validation pilot sessions in Málaga, Spain, to test and evaluate its Online Open Educational Resources (OER) Platform and the training module “AI for Business Communication and Marketing.”
The piloting activities were organised by IWS as part of the project’s commitment to ensuring that its training resources meet the real needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and self-employed professionals.
Two successful validation sessions with 40 participants
The first validation session was held on 17 March 2026 at the premises of the project’s associated partner Arrabal, bringing together 27 participants.
The second session took place on 19 May 2026 at the Alhaurín de la Torre Youth Centre in Málaga, with 13 participants attending.
Across both events, a total of 40 participants took part in the piloting activities. The audience was primarily composed of SME employees and self-employed professionals, representing the project’s main target group.
Testing the AIM Online OER Platform and AI training module
Each validation session lasted approximately two hours and combined presentations, practical demonstrations, interactive discussions, and qualitative feedback activities.
Participants were introduced to the AIM Project, its objectives, target groups, and expected impact on strengthening AI and digital competences among SMEs. They also received a guided demonstration of the project’s Online OER Platform, exploring its structure, navigation, learning resources, and assessment features.
The central part of each session focused on the delivery of the training module “AI for Business Communication and Marketing.” The module presented practical applications of artificial intelligence for business communication, digital marketing strategies, and everyday professional tasks, using accessible language and real-world examples relevant to SMEs and entrepreneurs.
Active participation and valuable feedback
Both sessions included an open question-and-answer session followed by focus group discussions, allowing participants to share their experiences and provide detailed feedback on the training materials and platform.
The feedback collected across both pilot sessions was consistently positive. Participants particularly highlighted:
- The clear structure and accessibility of the learning materials.
- The relevance and timeliness of the topics related to artificial intelligence.
- The practical orientation of the module and its immediate applicability in professional environments.
- The value of the Online OER Platform as a resource for continuous learning and skills development.
The discussions also generated constructive suggestions that will support the ongoing refinement of the platform and training materials before their wider dissemination.
Supporting the digital transformation of SMEs
The successful completion of these two validation sessions confirms the relevance and usability of the AIM Project’s educational resources for its target audience. The strong engagement of participants and the positive evaluation of both the platform and the training module demonstrate the project’s potential to support SMEs and self-employed professionals in adopting artificial intelligence for business growth and digital transformation.
Participants were encouraged to continue exploring the AIM Online OER Platform, complete the remaining training modules, and undertake the associated assessment tests to obtain the project’s certified diplomas.
These piloting activities represent an important milestone in the AIM Project, providing evidence-based feedback that will contribute to the final optimisation and future implementation of the project’s learning resources across Europe.