Hi!

Artificial Intelligence in the retail sector is already transforming the way businesses analyse data, organise processes, understand customer behaviour and develop new competitive strategies.

However, there remains a gap between the potential of AI technologies and their practical application in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, characterised by a lack of skills, limited access to tools and difficulties in identifying approaches that are genuinely beneficial to the business.

It is precisely this need that gave rise to INAIR – Increasing the Uptake of AI in Retail, the European project of which we are the Italian partners, which in recent years has worked to support the retail sector in developing digital skills and adopting Artificial Intelligence more effectively.

On Thursday 4 June 2026, at the Caserta Chamber of Commerce, we organised the project’s final Italian event: “Retail Evolution: the impact of Artificial Intelligence on European SMEs”.

A morning of discussion bringing together businesses, trainers, stakeholders, institutions and European experts to discuss not only technology, but above all the transformation of skills, the sustainability of innovation and the future of commerce.

Retail Evolution: the agenda for the meeting in Caserta

The programme will open with opening remarks from Tommaso De Simone, President of the Caserta Chamber of Commerce, and our CEO Gianluca Abbruzzese. This will be followed by a presentation on the current state of the sector, the gaps in the market, and the digital needs of the retail sector.

Miriam Lanzetta, Head of International Projects at Lascò, will then present the results of the INAIR project, outlining the tools and training programmes developed to support retail SMEs in their adoption of Artificial Intelligence.

The second part of the meeting will be dedicated to the round table discussion ‘The Future of AI in Retail’, featuring experts on the subject from Poland, Romania, Germany, Cyprus and Italy. The discussion will bring together different perspectives on a common theme: how to make the adoption of AI in retail not only technologically feasible, but also sustainable, accessible and beneficial for organisations.

From research to practical tools on AI

One of the most interesting aspects of the INAIR project is its practical approach.

It is not just about theoretical analysis or reflections on the future of AI, but tools designed to be put to practical use by SMEs, trainers and retail professionals.

During the event, the main results developed by the European partnership will be presented:

• a framework on the AI skills required in retail;
• a modular AI Core Curriculum;
• digital tools for skills assessment;
• personalised training pathways;
• a mapping of trustworthy AI tools for commerce;
• open and multilingual educational resources;
• a dedicated e-learning platform;
• a practical guide for facilitators and trainers.

Behind these results lies significant research and co-creation work: over 44,000 job advertisements analysed, nearly 1,700 scientific publications examined, and the involvement of experts, businesses and stakeholders from various European countries.

A European discussion on the future of commerce

The aim will not only be to understand which technologies are emerging, but also to consider how to make them truly accessible, sustainable and useful for organisations and individuals working in the sector.

The event is aimed at:

• businesses and professionals in the retail sector;
• training organisations and consultants;
• schools, teachers and students;
• stakeholders interested in innovation and skills development.

Useful information

📅 Thursday 4 June 2026
🕘 9.30am – 1.30pm
📍 Caserta Chamber of Commerce – Conference Room

To register: https://forms.gle/sEwNBu6Uf5qtqDng9

For more information on the project, visit the official website: https://www.ai4retail.eu/en