­­Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics joining the ARISA project­­

The Artificial Intelligence Skills Alliance (ARISA), an EU-funded project coordinated by DIGITALEUROPE, is proud to announce the inclusion of Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics (NURE) as a new partner. ARISA, which focuses on addressing the AI skills gap across Europe, is part of a broader mission to prepare the European workforce for a rapidly evolving digital future.

DIGITALEUROPE is committed to supporting Ukraine’s integration into the EU’s digital ecosystem through a multifaceted approach. This includes advocating for policies that drive economic recovery, delivering digital tools to strengthen education and infrastructure—demonstrated by the Laptops for Ukraine initiative—and actively encouraging Ukrainian organisations to join EU-funded projects. These efforts address immediate challenges while laying the foundation for deeper EU-Ukraine collaboration, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable, long-term partnerships.

NURE: A pioneer in AI education in Ukraine

NURE is one of Ukraine’s leading universities in applied IT and sustainable innovation. Its Department of Artificial Intelligence launched its first AI programme in 1999 and has since developed a reputation for excellence in international collaboration. With support from the Finnish Academy of Sciences, NURE has established double-degree MSc programmes with Finnish and Dutch universities, further solidifying its role as a global leader in AI education.

By continuously modernising its curricula, NURE ensures that its students are equipped with the latest skills in fields such as Data Science, Machine Learning, and AI ethics. This expertise aligns with ARISA’s mission to shape Europe’s digitally skilled workforce.

NURE’s role in the ARISA project

As a full partner in ARISA, NURE will contribute across several key areas:

• AI skills needs analysis: Conducting research to identify the gaps between industry-required digital competencies and the skills currently available in Ukraine.
• Curriculum development: Co-creating innovative educational content tailored to address these skill gaps, drawing on its extensive experience in AI and IT education.
• Piloting AI learning programmes: Beginning in spring 2025, NURE will pilot ARISA’s “Machine Learning Engineer” learning programme at EQF Level 6, training approximately 60 students in topics such as ML, ML Ops, AI Awareness, and AI Ethics.

Speaking on behalf of NURE, Liudmyla Titova, International Coordinator of the Artificial Intelligence Department, highlighted the significance of this collaboration:

“On behalf of NURE, I sincerely thank DIGITALEUROPE and its Director General, Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl, for the exceptional support for Ukrainians during the challenging times of war, as well as for the warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere. The invitation to join the ARISA project is especially meaningful. This opportunity to pilot programmes addressing emerging AI skill demands positions us at the forefront of technological advancements, enabling us to provide top-tier education for students and retraining opportunities for professionals.”

Strengthening EU-Ukraine cooperation

NURE’s partnership with ARISA reflects a larger vision of fostering closer ties between the EU and Ukraine. Ukrainian organisations’ participation in EU-funded projects is a significant step toward deeper collaboration and integration. NURE’s involvement is particularly noteworthy as it highlights Ukraine’s growing role in shaping Europe’s digital future. By contributing its expertise to ARISA, NURE not only helps bridge the AI skills gap but also demonstrates the value of collaboration between EU and Ukrainian institutions.

“The invitation to join the ARISA project holds special significance for us,” added Liudmyla Titova. “It allows us to align our expertise with emerging AI skill demands and contribute to a shared vision of innovation and resilience. By working together, we aim to bridge skill gaps and prepare professionals for the challenges of tomorrow.”

AI and Cybersecurity: Addressing Global Challenges

Given Ukraine’s current geopolitical challenges, NURE is acutely aware of the importance of AI and cybersecurity. The university equips its graduates with the expertise needed to counter cyber threats, focusing on trusted ML algorithms, ethical AI development, and robust AI-driven models.

NURE’s contributions to ARISA are about more than just closing skills gaps—they are about preparing a generation of professionals to navigate the complexities of today’s digital landscape and strengthen Europe’s collective digital resilience.