Erasmus University Secures Funding for AI Training Platform to Boost SME Reporting
Rotterdam, Wednesday, 3 December 2025.
Erasmus University receives €250,000 to develop an AI-driven platform aimed at enhancing sustainability reporting skills among SMEs, highlighting the vital role of AI in business innovation.
Impact of AI on Sustainability Reporting
The Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) at Erasmus University has embarked on a transformative project to develop an AI-powered training platform aimed at enhancing sustainability reporting skills among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This initiative, supported by a €250,000 Erasmus+ grant, underscores the critical role of artificial intelligence in modernizing business practices and adapting to evolving regulatory landscapes. The project, named ESG-AI Hub: European Sustainability Reporting Skills in the Digital Age, aims to equip professionals with essential skills to meet new EU sustainability regulations and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards [1].
The ESG-AI Hub Project
Led by Dr. Dimitrios Vlachopoulos, an associate professor at RSM, the ESG-AI Hub project is a collaborative effort involving six partners across Europe, including educational and technological institutions from Türkiye, Ireland, Italy, and Germany. The project commenced in October 2025 and is set to run for the next 24 months. It seeks to create a comprehensive digital training platform featuring interactive modules, self-assessment tools, and real-world case studies. These resources are designed to help SMEs, vocational education providers, accountants, and auditors align their practices with contemporary sustainability and digital transformation demands [1][2].
Cooperative Development and Implementation
The development of this AI-driven platform is coordinated by the Public Oversight, Accounting, and Auditing Standards Authority of Türkiye (KGK), which brings together expertise from various sectors to ensure the platform’s effectiveness. By fostering such international collaboration, the project aims to create a robust framework for sustainability reporting that can be adapted to different regulatory environments and business contexts across Europe. The platform will also produce policy recommendation reports to guide practitioners and policymakers, further integrating sustainability into business operations [1][2].
Broader Implications for AI and Business Innovation
The ESG-AI Hub initiative highlights the broader implications of integrating AI into business processes, particularly in the realm of sustainability. By enhancing transparency, accountability, and innovation, AI-driven platforms like this one can significantly improve how businesses report and manage their environmental impacts. This aligns with the European Union’s ongoing efforts to promote digital transformation and sustainability as part of its AI strategies, which emphasize the dual benefits of AI in enhancing business efficiency and ensuring adherence to ethical and regulatory standards [1][3].