23.10.2024 – 1. Workshop Future Skills & AI

As part of the Interreg AT-SK project “Twin City Future Innovation Manufacturing Hub,” the first “Future Skills & AI” workshop was held in late October. The event brought together experts from research and industry to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on work, the skills required, and how companies can prepare.
Julia Bock-Schappelwein (WIFO) outlined how demographics, greening, and digitalization are reshaping occupations, based on findings from the AMS report “Labour Market and Occupations 2030.” Rapid transformation, driven by global events and demographic shifts, increases the need for digital and green skills. AI, unlike past automation, now also affects cognitive tasks.

Theo Kopetzky (SCCH) explained how AI works, emphasizing its human-trained, pattern-based nature. He highlighted the importance of realistic expectations and introduced the “Trusted AI” certification framework.
Manuel Woschank (Montanuni Leoben) and Corina Pacher (TU Graz) presented the EE4M project, focusing on future engineering skills in production and logistics. Beyond technical know-how, change management and data literacy are vital.
Michael Ginner and Axel Sonntag (KPMG) shared how to build an AI strategy, recommending a structured, use-case-driven approach.

Legal and ethical frameworks are as important as technical readiness.
Thomas Doms (TÜV Austria) and Wolfgang Wilke (Data Intelligence) showcased real-world AI use cases, including bridge monitoring, PV panel diagnostics, and fiber production, all under quality and regulatory standards.
Andreas Dieminger and Christian Wallmann (Welser Profile) closed with insights on aligning AI adoption with workforce development. Welser Profile implements AI in document analysis, demand forecasting, and production optimization while investing in employee training and innovation culture.

14.01.2025 – 2. Workshop Future Skills & AI

Digital Skills and AI Tools for the Future Workplace.
As the EU and OECD promote the “Digital Decade,” bridging the gap between education and technology is critical to prevent growing inequality. 42 Vienna, an innovative coding school using a peer-to-peer, project-based learning model, equips young talent with both technical and soft skills to meet the rising demand for IT professionals. Real-world case studies demonstrate the school’s impact on inclusive innovation and company culture.

RISC Software GmbH emphasized the importance of AI literacy for all employees—not just tech experts. Through the RISC AI Academy, they offer practical training for using AI effectively. Their AI assistant KOALA enables GDPR-compliant access to internal data via an intuitive chat interface.
Avanade Austria presented use cases of Microsoft 365 Copilot in production and administration. From knowledge management and process optimization to smart glasses for on-site support, AI tools are transforming work routines. However, successful adoption depends on user training and change management.

The session highlighted that human-centric AI implementation, lifelong learning, and cross-functional collaboration are key to sustainable digital transformation.

13.05.2025 – 3. Workshop Future Skills & AI

The third webinar in the “Future Skills & AI” series, organized by Plattform Industrie 4.0 under the Work 5.0 focus and the Interreg AT-SK project Twin City Future Innovation Manufacturing Hub, took place on May 13.
Dr. Andreas Sackl (FH Technikum Wien) opened with “Introducing AI in Companies: What Skills Are Needed?” He stressed that AI success goes far beyond technology: factors like employee involvement, process adaptation, data quality, and legal clarity are critical. A failed AI inventory system showed the cost of neglecting these, while Lufthansa Cargo’s success highlighted the importance of change management and early staff engagement. The key message: AI projects are as much about culture and people as they are about code.
He also introduced tools like the Lean Canvas to define problems and clarify AI’s role.

With only 5% of employees typically open to new tech from the start, success requires early involvement, clear communication, and shared goals.
FH Technikum Wien offers AI-related programs at all levels—from bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Computer Science, AI Engineering, and Data Science to short courses via the Technikum Wien Academy. Hands-on formats like the AI Essentials Seminar and AI Bootcamp provide practical training for beginners and professionals alike.
The second talk, “Focusing on AI Competence: Strategy, Practice, and Education in the Wiener Stadtwerke Group”, was delivered by Larisa-Maria Stanescu (Wien IT GmbH).

Wiener Stadtwerke views AI as a long-term strategic asset to improve services in energy, mobility, IT, and more. Its group-wide AI strategy is built on two pillars: an AI Competence Center and a Community of Experts across subsidiaries. Their vision: embed AI in core processes to support sustainable transitions, always grounded in ethics, customer value, and digital humanism.
Launched in February 2025, the Competence Center drives low-barrier, fast-tracked AI development via pilot projects. Initiatives like the Microsoft Copilot rollout combine training, Q&A, and testing to support adoption.

A usage guide and e-learning course help ensure responsible AI use. Hands-on prompting workshops are used to reduce fear, foster innovation, and empower employees to engage with AI in their daily work.