AIRA: Educating future leaders in AI-era retail

Challenges

Despite the rapid global spread of Generative AI, a majority of companies (74% according to a recent report) struggle to realize actual value. The adoption rate in Swedish retail is lower than the global average. The main challenge is a widespread lack of general AI competence and know-how on how to strategically apply the technology, creating uncertainty around Return on Investment (ROI) and thus hindering innovation. Current AI knowledge is often anecdotal or too company-specific, which complicates sector-wide competence building.

Project purpose

The project's purpose is to develop unique, research-based training material specifically for the Swedish retail sector. This material will bridge the gap between academic research and industry practice, demystify GenAI, and equip retailers with the tools and knowledge required to make well-founded strategic decisions. The goal is to raise AI maturity and secure the future competitiveness of Swedish retail.

Expected outcomes

The project will deliver high-quality, pedagogical training material deeply rooted in the latest academic findings within AI and retail. 

Expected outcomes include:

• the training material reaching 500 retailers within the first few years
• retailers gaining practical skills to distinguish between hype and reality and implement GenAI initiatives directly in their organizations
• strengthened competitiveness of the entire Swedish retail sector against international competition through increased competence
• a permanent digital knowledge base being created
   

Interested in learning more about this project or engaging with AI Sweden and AI in Retail initiatives? You’re welcome to reach out.