The Project
UpSkillOne builds an AI-supported guidance journey that maps each worker’s existing skills, identifies the gaps most relevant to their role, and recommends a tailored learning path, reinforced by blended mentoring for direct human support. Piloted and refined across the five partner countries, the model targets three groups: workers in micro-small enterprises, who gain a concrete route to development; their employers, who receive practical tools to support it without added resources; and guidance practitioners, who gain a validated methodology they can adopt in their own services.

Project objectives
01
Analyse skills gaps in micro-small enterprises
Map the current upskilling needs of adult workers across five partner countries through rigorous research.
02
Develop an AI-powered guidance model
Co-create an evidence-based career guidance methodology tailored to small enterprise contexts.
03
Build a digital mentoring platform
Deploy accessible digital tools that support blended mentoring and self-directed learning journeys.
04
Train guidance practitioners
Equip career counsellors and HR professionals with the competences to use the UpSkillOne toolkit.
05
Disseminate and exploit results
Share open educational resources and policy recommendations across Europe for wide impact.
Project partners
Aalto University – School of Electrical Engineering
Finland
A leading Finnish research university with deep expertise in AI, robotics and digital systems, and a strong record in European research and innovation projects.
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BISITE Research Group – Universidad de Salamanca
Spain
USAL’s BISITE research group leads work in AI, IoT and Industry 4.0, with hands-on experience building and integrating advanced digital platforms.
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Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Vratsa
Bulgaria
Represents over 2,500 micro-small enterprises in Northwestern Bulgaria, with a decade of experience in career guidance, vocational training and digital transformation.
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EIT Manufacturing South
Italy
Part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology’s manufacturing community, connecting education, innovation and business to strengthen industrial competitiveness.
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Grenoble École de Management
France
An internationally accredited business school with over 30 years of expertise in innovation management, digital transformation and stakeholder engagement.
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IFAB – International Foundation Big Data and Artificial Intelligence for Human Development
Italy
A private foundation supporting the adoption of AI and Big Data for innovation and social impact, connecting academia, industry and public institutions.
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Kilometro Rosso
Italy
A major European innovation district and open innovation hub connecting business, academia and institutions, with deep experience in EU-funded digital skills projects.
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