The project aims at filling the gap between scientific research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) and its industrial application as enabling technology for the I4.0 paradigm. AI and ML improve the data acquisition and analysis typical of the I4.0, leading to the optimization of the industrial processes through fast and well-performing algorithms. The academic research efforts on AI have followed a trend of development of complex algorithms that require cloud-centric architectures while the industrial architectures for data acquisition are in most cases fragmented and resource-constrained. Recent researches have demonstrated the need of a decentralized use of AI and ML where algorithms for data acquisition and analysis are executed directly on the machine side. It is evident that a new generation of AI and ML experts, able to adapt these technologies to the industrial needs and to foster their role as the key players of the 4th industrial revolution, is needed. PLANET4 enables a knowledge transfer between academia and industry by achieving the following objectives: a) design of a b-learning course for the porting and integration of AI techniques in I4.0 applications;b) evaluation of a novel method for the description of industrial digitalization needs and pains aimed at enabling fast identification of the most appropriate AI methodologies; c) formalization of a framework of soft skills and related training materials for 4.0 Innovation and Change Management training workshops;d) development of a portal for the collection and sharing of best practices in the applications.The project approach is cross-disciplinary and focuses on both hard skills in AI and ML technologies and soft competencies needed to manage the changes introduced in the industrial ecosystem. Academics will have the possibility to gather needs and requirements from the industrial world, allowing the adaptation of ML teaching to better fit the real-world industrial pains.

<< Background >>GIENAHS Alliance aims at addressing the strategic issue of interaction between HEIs and SMEs, that still face considerable difficulties in managing R&D processes, even if they are the real driving force of the European economy. GIENAHS considers innovation as a key factor in our economy both for citizens and for companies, due to its contribution to the acceleration and improvement in creating new products and services.<< Objectives >>A better interaction between SMEs and HEI is required. SMEs need to develop their internal skills to face innovation in a more structured and systematic way, while HEIs need to improve their capacity of interaction with SMEs so that researchers can see also a genuine career prospect within SMEs.<< Implementation >>With the above-mentioned objectives, GIENAHS aimed at fostering this matching through the following steps: sharing best practices of interaction; defining new EU standards; proposing the harmonisation of Industrial PhD disciplines; setting up a stable Observatory HEIs/SMEs/INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS; developing a new methodological approach to design industrial PhD paths “SMEs oriented” targeted on the specific needs of European SMEs<< Results >>GIENAHS consortium reached the following main results: definition of tools to investigate the interaction model HEIs/SMEs; enhancement of the dialogue/cooperation opportunities among HEIs/SMEs; definition of tools to investigate key processes and competences for innovation of SMEs; definition of a proposal for legal harmonization; definition of an Industrial PhD path for SMEs; sharing of a new methodological approach for designing an Industrial PhD path SME oriented; creation of an Observatory.