Future of further education: First steps towards digital learning for SMEs!

Future of further education: First steps towards digital learning for SMEs!

On July 9, 2025, the important event educate 2025 will take place in the Spiegelpalais at Saarbrücken's Osthafen, organized by the Education Digital research institute, which is headed by Professor Julia Knopf. This conference aims to promote innovative learning concepts and advance digital training for companies. Under the motto “Didactic Champions – further training as a growth engine for companies”, the focus is on various topics, including the discussion about learning as a strategic factor for medium-sized companies and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

The agenda includes several high-profile lectures. Professor Julia Knopf will talk about learning processes and corporate culture, while Professor Oliver Thomas will discuss the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in the education sector. Experts from companies such as Bosch, Allianz and dm contribute to the discussion, with a focus on promoting soft skills. There will also be an interdisciplinary discussion on vocational training in the 21st century.

Diverse offers and networking opportunities

A highlight of the event is the learning expo, which presents modern learning solutions and offers space for networking. There is also a pitch session in which failed educational projects are discussed and the insights gained can be exchanged. The participation fee is 129 euros per person and includes a 3-course menu. Those interested can register for the event and obtain further information about Professor Dr. Julia button received.

The need for digital training is particularly important today. Company training is crucial for companies to remain competitive, especially in times of globalization and digitalization. According to the MittelstandsBund, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often do not have their own employees for further training, which makes digital training platforms increasingly relevant. Such platforms help companies organize training and further education, provide access to learning content and enable employees to track their learning progress.

Digital platforms as a solution for medium-sized businesses

Digital learning makes it possible to learn flexibly and independently of the availability of colleagues and superiors. Vendors offer various systems, including learning management systems (LMS) and learning experience platforms (LXP). These offer different functions to meet the specific requirements of companies. Such solutions are becoming increasingly important, especially now that the shortage of skilled workers is becoming an ever greater challenge. Well-trained employees are an important company resource and competitive advantage.

In addition to the existing offerings, the Business Campus Digital (BCD) will be launched in collaboration with Microsoft Germany. This digital education platform supports medium-sized businesses in their digital transformation and offers courses on artificial intelligence and hybrid working models to increase their attractiveness as employers. Oliver Gürtler from Microsoft emphasizes the importance of democratizing technology and forming partnerships to promote success in digital transformation.

With the combination of an innovative learning culture, digital training opportunities and the commitment of leading companies, educate 2025 shows how important it is to meet the challenges of the 21st century in the education sector. The interactions between technologies and further training are crucial to successfully shaping the future of the world of work.