MERIT International Industry Engagement Workshop on Artificial Intelligence

1 June 2026 | 15:00 – 17:00 CEST | Online event hosted by Riga Technical University, Latvia

The MERIT project is organising the International Industry Engagement Workshop on Artificial Intelligence on 1 June 2026. Hosted online by Riga Technical University, the event will bring together representatives from academia, industry, and the MERIT student community to discuss the role of artificial intelligence competencies in engineering education and professional practice. The workshop will take the form of an interactive round-table discussion, creating a space for dialogue between higher education institutions, industry stakeholders, and students. The discussion will focus on how academic programmes can respond to technological developments, labour market expectations, and the growing demand for AI-related skills. A key focus of the event will be the MERIT study programme “Management of Smart, Resilient, and Interconnected Systems”, developed at Riga Technical University. Participants will reflect on how the programme supports the development of both technical and managerial competencies, helping prepare professionals able to work at the intersection of engineering, innovation, artificial intelligence, and strategic decision-making.

Why this event? 

By joining the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to:

• explore the role of artificial intelligence in engineering and technology-driven organisations;

• discuss the AI skills currently required by industry;

• examine how academic programmes can better align with real-world applications;

• hear from MERIT students applying AI-related knowledge in their workplaces;

• contribute to discussions on the future development of advanced digital skills education;

• identify opportunities for stronger collaboration between universities and industry.

The event is particularly relevant for higher education institutions, companies, researchers, students, digital innovation stakeholders, and professionals interested in the future of AI skills and their application in industry.

Key discussion topics

The workshop will address several themes relevant to digital skills development and industry needs, including:

• the role of artificial intelligence in engineering and innovation;

• the integration of AI competencies into higher education programmes;

• the relevance of AI-related skills for professional practice;

• student experiences in applying AI knowledge at work;

• emerging skills gaps and expectations for future graduates;

• collaboration opportunities between academia and industry.

Agenda

15:00 – 15:10 CET | Welcome and introduction

Speaker: Agris Ņikitenko

15:10 – 15:25 CET | From idea to launch: the beginnings of the MERIT project

Keynote speaker: Jānis Grēviņš, PhD, Digitalization and AI-innovation Policy Expert, Research Development Lead, Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT)

15:25 – 15:40 CET | Introduction to the MERIT Study Programme and its AI components

Speaker: Agris Ņikitenko, Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science, Information Technology, and Energy, Riga Technical University

15:40 – 16:40 CET | Round-table discussion: AI competencies and industry needs - The discussion will involve MERIT students who are also active professionals in companies, together with industry representatives, focusing on the relevance of AI competencies, emerging trends, and the practical value of the programme in professional environments.

Moderators: Agris Ņikitenko and Jānis Grēviņš

16:40 – 16:55 CET | Open discussion with participants

16:55 – 17:00 CET | Conclusions and closing remarks

Registration and participation

Participation in the workshop is free of charge, but registration is required and needs to be done through the formAVAILABLE HERE.

Further details about the online access and final programme will be shared with registered participants.

About MERIT

MERIT supports the development of advanced digital skills in key deep-tech areas, including Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Internet of Things. Through collaboration between universities, research centres, and industry partners across Europe, the project contributes to innovative educational programmes and engagement activities that help align academic training with the evolving needs of the digital economy.