Rethinking AI-supported Skilling Strategies in Companies

Abstract

Companies should understand and accelerate the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to unlock innovation, build employees' trust in their work, and strengthen their competitive position. With the rise of AI-driven technologies, the importance of developing skilling strategies based on a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, continuous approach to training and supporting lifelong learning in companies has increased. AI impacts skilling and upskilling processes and contributes significantly to personalized learning. AI supports the delivery of "on-demand" training, providing short, relevant learning content when needed. AI-based mentors or chatbots offer personalized coaching and simulate real-world scenarios, helping employees learn and apply new skills more quickly. But AI also presents opportunities for foreign information, AI-supported manipulation, and interference. Therefore, developing early-detection systems for modern technologies like AI and implementing corresponding flexible, modular training and learning opportunities are necessary. Digital communication frameworks should guide the development of competencies to handle AI-driven technological advancements and adapt them to enhance effectiveness and anticipation in combating disinformation and foreign interference in the information environment. AI is central to business strategies, and organizations that adopt it early gain a competitive advantage in operational efficiency and leadership excellence. Hiring key AI skills in companies is necessary to make them more innovative and help to develop new products, services, or business models. This paper first presents AI-supported skilling strategies in companies, including AI's positive impacts such as identifying skills gaps, personalized learning, mentoring, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning and adaptability. It then explains the importance of developing strategies to address the challenges posed by AI-driven disinformation in this context. The paper also outlines the advantages of hiring for AI skills earlier to support competitiveness, operational efficiency, and leadership excellence within companies. The paper methodology bridges the gap between academic rigor within study publications and industrial practice. The results of studies, interviews, and discussions with project partners are included in the paper and show that companies' understanding of AI-driven disinformation remains highly fragmented. A few countries are investing in the skills required to master AI, starting to hire for AI skills early, aiming to position themselves as future sources of skilled professionals in the field.