Project: AI Factory Blekinge

The AI Factory Blekinge project: Strengthening SMEs’ ability to explore and develop AI solutions

Introduction

AI Factory Blekinge helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) explore, develop, and implement AI solutions. Through support, testing opportunities, and knowledge sharing, the project turns research into practical business value.

Short-term goals

  • Provide knowledge and decision support to company leaders.
  • Offer prototyping, testing, and demonstrations with employees.
  • Help companies make informed decisions based on scenario evaluations.
  • Create processes ready for direct integration into operations.

Long-term expected effects

  • Enable new processes and behaviors within companies.
  • Support the development of innovative products, services, and business models.
  • Create new roles and opportunities linked to AI in Blekinge.
  • Make SMEs more competitive and resilient in an AI-driven economy.

Why AI Factory Blekinge?

SMEs face major challenges adopting AI and digitalization. Many lack time, resources, and testing environments, causing them to fall behind in innovation and competitiveness.

Since SMEs represent 99.9% of Swedish companies, their digital transformation is critical. Limited infrastructure, talent shortages, and uncertainty around AI adoption further slow progress.

AI Factory Blekinge addresses this gap by providing testbeds, collaboration spaces, and expertise, bridging the divide between industry and academia and ensuring SMEs don’t get left behind.

Regional impact

AI Factory Blekinge serves as an innovation engine for the region. By enabling companies to experiment, develop, and collaborate, the project strengthens business, research, and society as a whole.

Activities and results

Through research, testing, and knowledge sharing, participating SMEs gain:

  • Decision support and practical insights.
  • Hands-on access to generative AI tools and innovation environments.
  • The ability to prototype and test solutions before full-scale implementation.

These activities give SMEs the confidence to innovate, adapt processes, and create new services and organizational models.

Target groups

  • Primary: SMEs in Blekinge
  • Secondary: National stakeholders (RISE, Vinnova, Swedish Government Offices)
  • Tertiary: Innovators, companies, and organizations exploring opportunities in the region

Purpose

To increase visibility and spread knowledge about AI, testbeds, and innovation opportunities for SMEs—both regionally and nationally.

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