Exploring the AI Frontier: AI-Driven Cyber Risk Management for SMEs (AID)

ERASMUS+ project “Exploring the AI Frontier: AI-Driven Cyber Risk Management for SMEs (AID)”

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About the project

The AID project empowers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to tackle cybersecurity challenges through AI-based solutions. By developing a tailored Competence Map and a practical Cybersecurity Toolkit, the project enhances digital resilience and equips SME employees and managers with essential AI-driven cybersecurity skills. The initiative includes pilot training sessions and public workshops to promote awareness and hands-on learning.

Building on a previously submitted project, this revised proposal reflects partner feedback and aims to contribute to the digital transformation of SMEs across Europe. Key outcomes include improved risk assessment capabilities, increased digital safety, and a stronger foundation for data-driven decision-making in the SME sector.

Project Number:
KA210-VET-7949181B.

Programme:
Erasmus+ KA210-VET – Small-scale Partnerships in Vocational Education and Training.

Duration:
01 March 2025 – 31 May 2026 (15 months).

Total Grant:
€60,000.

Coordinator:

BDA (Latvia)

Partner Organizations:

Training 2000 (Italy)

Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University (Türkiye)

Project Aim:
The AID project supports SMEs in improving their cybersecurity readiness using AI-powered tools and training. It delivers a competence map, a practical toolkit, and pilot training to help SMEs assess and enhance their ability to manage AI-related cyber risks.

How the AID Project Responds to Real Needs?

The AID project is grounded in a thorough needs analysis carried out from December 2023 to January 2024. Partners from Latvia, Turkey, and Italy worked together to assess the cybersecurity and digital readiness needs of SMEs and training institutions.

Through stakeholder interviews, surveys, and data analysis, the project identified key gaps in skills, preparedness, and awareness. Input was gathered from SMEs, VET providers, and other stakeholders across partner countries. These insights helped shape the project’s competence map, training tools, and overall strategy—ensuring the outcomes are relevant, practical, and aligned with real-world challenges.

Who benefits from the
AID Project?

SMEs are the primary beneficiaries, receiving tools and training tailored to their cybersecurity needs
SME Employees gain new skills through practical training focused on AI-enhanced cybersecurity.
SME Owners and Managers are empowered to make informed decisions on cyber risk management.
VET Institutions can integrate the project’s resources into their curriculum to improve training relevance.
Policymakers and Regulators benefit from best practices that support the development of cybersecurity policies.
Community and Industry Networks use project outputs to raise awareness and promote cyber safety.
Professional Associations and NGOs can apply the materials to support member development and advocacy efforts.

AID project results

The AID project will deliver practical, impactful outcomes that help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) strengthen their cybersecurity through AI-based solutions.

The following key results will be achieved:

AI-Driven Competence Map

A structured, multilingual map identifying essential cybersecurity and AI-related skills SMEs need to protect their digital operations.

Helps SMEs assess current competencies and identify skill gaps.

Tailored Cybersecurity toolkit

A practical, easy-to-use toolkit with real-life case studies and resources to support SMEs in implementing AI-enhanced cybersecurity practices.

Includes step-by-step guidelines and tools designed specifically for SME contexts.

Pilot Training for SMEs and VET providers

Hands-on training sessions involving SME representatives and vocational education providers to test and improve the toolkit and competence map.

Builds real-world capacity and practical knowledge among users.

Digital Learning platform

An online space with open access to project resources, training materials, and updates via Facebook and Instagram.

Ensures wide and inclusive access to knowledge and tools.

Public dissemination workshops

Interactive events in Latvia, Italy, and Turkey to showcase the project’s results to SMEs, educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

Encourages knowledge sharing and promotes adoption of AI-based cybersecurity strategies across Europe.

BDA

BDA is a leading ICT training center in the Baltics with over 30 years of experience in digital transformation, project management, and cybersecurity training. BDA is part of the Tet Group and annually trains over 7,000 professionals. Role in the AID Project:

Project coordinator and Lead of quality assurance and communication.

Develops the final version of the Competence Map and coordinates the project website and dissemination.

Responsible for overall project management and budget supervision.

Training 2000

Training2000 is a vocational education and training organisation certified in the Marche Region for regional training, with experience in education and training in different sectors. Since 1992, Training 2000 has specialized in curriculum development and innovation, inclusive educational design and validation of competences in different sectors, from cybersecurity for students and professionals to green entrepreneurship and eco-innovative business models. Role in the AID Project:

Leads the development of the Competence Map as well as designs and implements surveys and national needs analysis.

Organizes the second transnational meeting.

Contributes to toolkit module development and dissemination activities.

Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University (MSKU)

Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University is a major Turkish higher education institution with 20 faculties and strong expertise in digital skills, AI, and SME development. It focuses on interdisciplinary research and education related to digital and green transitions. Role in the AID Project:

Leads the development of the Tailored Toolkit.

Coordinates expert reviews and uploads content to the digital learning platform.

Organizes the third transnational meeting and provides evaluation framework for pilot training.