The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) in Bavaria has launched two new calls for proposals in the field of "Social Innovation." The aim is to prepare employees specifically for the challenges of digital and ecological transformation, with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainable skills.

AI Qualification for the Social Economy

With the call "AI Qualification for Employees in the Social Economy," projects are funded that develop and test practical training offers. The background is that the use of AI in the social economy is still not widespread, but offers great potential - for example, to relieve professionals and increase efficiency.

Support is particularly given to qualification measures that enable employees and decision-makers to responsibly select, implement, and use AI tools in everyday work. The goal is to strengthen the competitiveness of institutions and counteract the skills shortage.

AI and Green Skills for Workers

The second call is aimed across industries at workers and combines AI competencies with so-called "Green Skills." Qualification projects are supported that integrate the use of AI with sustainable and resource-conserving technologies.

The focus is particularly on small and medium-sized enterprises whose employees are to be enabled to apply new technologies directly in the company and thus actively help shape both the digital and ecological transformation.

Procedure and Deadlines

The funding is carried out in a two-step process:

1. Expression of Interest (1st Step)with project concept

2. Application Submission (2nd Step)after positive evaluation by the Innovation Committee

After successful selection, the application review usually takes about two months. The funded projects must be ready to start at the latest six months after the selection.

With the current funding lines, Bavaria is setting targeted impulses to expand competencies in key technologies such as AI while simultaneously supporting sustainable transformation.