Women in the Age of Innovation: Creativity, Artificial Intelligence, and International Development
- Project number 2025-1-LT01-KA122-ADU-000342007
- Project period: 1 June 2025 – 31 May 2026
ABOUT
TRAINING
RESULT
ABOUT
Women in the Age of Innovation: Creativity, Artificial Intelligence and International Development
The International Business Women Network (IBWN) is implementing the Erasmus+ mobility project “Women in the Age of Innovation: Creativity, Artificial Intelligence and International Development” (Project No. 2025-1-LT01-KA122-ADU-000342007).
As part of the project, 21 IBWN members will have the opportunity to strengthen their key competences and acquire new knowledge and practical skills in the following areas:
- Digital literacy (Artificial Intelligence, e-commerce, and social media marketing)
- Principles of the sustainable economy (circular economy and the European Green Deal)
- Entrepreneurship and international cooperationThe training activities will take place in Sweden, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Estonia, in cooperation with innovative organisations and women’s business associations across Europe.
The project aims to empower women to:
- implement innovation in their professional activities and businesses;
- strengthen their competitiveness in international markets;
- develop sustainable business models and expand their professional networks.
The project is funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, with a grant of EUR 39,854.00.
Project duration: 1 June 2025 – 31 May 2026
Together, we are promoting women’s leadership, innovation, and sustainable development across Europe.
TRAINING
As part of the Erasmus+ project “Women in the Age of Innovation: Creativity, Artificial Intelligence and International Development”, IBWN members participate in international training courses, study visits, and other project activities across Europe. These activities help strengthen professional, digital, and entrepreneurial competences, expand international networks, and facilitate the exchange of good practices with partners from different countries.
International training activities carried out during the project:
RESULT
IBWN Erasmus+ Project “Women in the Age of Innovation” Successfully Completed: 21 Members Trained Across Seven European Countries
On 31 May 2026, the International Business Women Network (IBWN) successfully completed the twelve-month Erasmus+ KA122-ADU project “Women in the Age of Innovation: Creativity, Artificial Intelligence and International Development” (Project No. 2025-1-LT01-KA122-ADU-000342007).
The project was implemented from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2026 with a total Erasmus+ grant of EUR 39,854. During the project period, seven international mobility activities were organised, involving 21 IBWN members, with three participants taking part in each mobility. The training courses were held in France, Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Malta, Cyprus, and Spain.
A Project Inspired by the Real Needs of Women in Business
The project was designed in response to today’s rapidly evolving economic and technological environment. IBWN members—entrepreneurs, business leaders, freelancers, and women starting their careers or businesses—face the daily challenge of adapting to digital transformation, emerging technologies, growing international competition, and increasing sustainability requirements.
The project’s primary objective was to strengthen the professional and entrepreneurial competences of women by providing practical knowledge of digital literacy, the use of artificial intelligence, sustainable economy principles, innovation, business development, and international cooperation. The project also aimed to foster women’s leadership, build confidence in their abilities, and prepare them to succeed in both local and international markets.
France – International Cooperation and Modern Adult Education
During the mobility in France, IBWN members expanded their knowledge of women’s professional development, international cooperation, and contemporary approaches to adult education.
Participants explored the experience of French organisations in designing adult learning programmes, encouraging women’s participation in professional and public life, and strengthening their ability to adapt to changing labour market and business environments.
The mobility provided valuable insights into how international partnerships, mentoring, knowledge exchange, and non-formal adult education contribute to the growth of women’s entrepreneurship. The knowledge gained proved beneficial not only for the participants themselves but also for the wider IBWN community, where peer learning and the sharing of experience remain among the organisation’s key priorities.
Austria – Artificial Intelligence, Customer Insights, and Business Decision-Making
From 11–14 March, three IBWN members participated in a training course in Vienna, organised by the Central European Training Institute, focusing on women in the age of innovation.
During the training, participants explored how artificial intelligence can be used to analyse customer needs, behaviour, and market signals. They learned how to identify recurring issues from customer feedback, enquiries, and business data, improve customer segmentation, and develop clearer value propositions.
Particular emphasis was placed on the practical application of AI for creating communication strategies and business proposals, evaluating different business ideas, making data-driven decisions, and planning business growth. The programme also covered business models, financial sustainability, scaling strategies, and the development of international networks.
The Vienna training clearly demonstrated that artificial intelligence creates the greatest value when it is used not as a fashionable technology, but as a practical tool for solving clearly defined business challenges.
Germany – Women’s Inclusion, Employment, and Equal Opportunities
The training held in Berlin from 14–17 April was organised by Gesellschaft für Europabildung e. V. – Association for European Training.
The programme placed particular emphasis on supporting young women and women raising children. Participants explored the factors that may hinder women’s return to the labour market, professional advancement, or the establishment of a business, while also learning about the inclusion measures and support services available in Germany.
An important part of the programme was a visit to the Paula Panke Women’s Centre, where participants learned about the role of women’s organisations in Germany, legal support services available to women, employment promotion initiatives, and the contribution of community organisations to strengthening women’s independence and opportunities.
This mobility directly supported the project’s inclusion objective by providing learning and professional development opportunities for women of different ages, backgrounds, and social circumstances, including those living in rural areas, changing careers, or returning to work after a career break.
Czech Republic – Mindful Communication and Stress Resilience
From 21–24 April, IBWN members participated in the training course “Communicate with Clarity, Build Agreement, Achieve Results – Mindful & Stress Resilient Communication” in Prague.
Participants strengthened their ability to communicate clearly and constructively, practised active listening, learned to express their ideas more effectively, understand the needs of different stakeholders, and reach mutually beneficial agreements.
Practical workshops focused on emotional awareness, managing professional stress, building resilience, and maintaining productive dialogue in challenging situations. The programme also explored conflict resolution, responding constructively to criticism, and communicating effectively when opinions or interests differ.
These competences are particularly valuable for women entrepreneurs and business leaders who work daily with clients, employees, business partners, and international teams.
Malta – Entrepreneurship, Digital Solutions, and International Opportunities
The mobility in Malta focused on modern business development, the application of digital solutions, and strengthening international entrepreneurial competences.
Participants explored how technological developments are transforming small and medium-sized enterprises, which digital tools help businesses reach customers more effectively, improve operations, and compete in international markets. The programme emphasised not only the ability to use digital technologies but also the importance of strategically selecting the solutions that best fit the specific needs of a business.
The experience gained in Malta also strengthened participants’ intercultural communication and international networking skills. They had the opportunity to compare business environments in different countries, discuss potential cooperation, and evaluate opportunities for expanding their businesses beyond Lithuania.
This mobility contributed to the project’s objective of helping women make greater use of modern technologies, better understand international markets, and build competitive businesses capable of adapting to change.
Cyprus – Creativity, Artificial Intelligence Ethics, and Project Development
The four-day training programme held in Cyprus from 12–15 May combined creativity development, the practical application of artificial intelligence, and international project development.
The first part of the programme focused on creativity as a practical skill that can be developed through everyday practice. Participants applied creative thinking methods, learned how to identify new opportunities, redefine problems, generate innovative ideas, and transform them into concrete business or project concepts.
During the artificial intelligence sessions, IBWN members learned how to formulate more effective prompts and use AI for content creation, information analysis, research, idea generation, and everyday professional tasks. The programme also addressed the limitations of AI, information reliability, ethics, gender stereotypes, and potential algorithmic bias.
Participants were also introduced to European Union funding opportunities under the Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and Creative Europe programmes. They learned how to identify the most appropriate funding programme for a project idea, build international consortia, define partner roles, and develop project concepts. During the final session, participants presented their project ideas and received valuable feedback from fellow participants.
Spain – Women’s Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and the Circular Economy
From 25–28 May, training entitled “Entrepreneurship and Innovation of Women in Spain” was held in Seville, organised by STEP – Stage Within European Programmes.
At the Seville Chamber of Commerce, IBWN members learned about a programme supporting women entrepreneurs in transforming business ideas into successful companies. The programme provides guidance and support throughout every stage of business development, from idea validation to business launch and further growth.
During practical visits, participants explored women-led businesses where local traditions, natural resources, healthy lifestyle principles, and the responsible use of materials have become key competitive advantages.
IBWN members also visited a company operating in the recycling sector, specialising in pollution reduction, electronic waste management, the creation of green jobs, and helping businesses comply with environmental regulations. At the company’s new processing facility, artificial intelligence solutions are used to improve the efficiency of electronic waste recycling.
The Seville mobility clearly demonstrated that sustainability, technology, and business profitability are not competing priorities. When effectively combined, they form the foundation of innovative and competitive businesses.
Twenty-One Women – Twenty-One Professional Growth Stories
The project successfully achieved its main objective: 21 IBWN members participated in international training activities, and each participant gained practical knowledge and skills that can be applied in her business, professional career, and within the wider IBWN community.
Across the seven international mobility activities, participants strengthened their:
- digital literacy and artificial intelligence skills;
- business creation, management, and development competences;
- knowledge of the sustainable economy and circular business models;
- creativity and innovation skills;
- leadership, professional communication, and stress resilience;
- international networking and intercultural communication competences;
- ability to develop international project concepts and build partnerships.
The project was designed not only to provide participants with new competences but also to ensure that the knowledge acquired during the mobilities would be transferred back to the organisation. Participants therefore share their experience with other IBWN members, while successful methods and best practices are incorporated into the association’s training programmes, events, mentoring initiatives, and strategic activities.
The End of the Project Is Not the End of Learning
Although the project officially ended on 31 May 2026, its impact will continue well beyond its completion. The international partnerships established, the competences acquired, and the good practices brought back by participants provide a strong foundation for new IBWN learning, mentoring, and international cooperation initiatives.
The project demonstrated that international mobility offers women far more than the opportunity to attend training abroad. It encourages them to believe in their own abilities, discover new ways of working, view their businesses from fresh perspectives, and become more actively involved in the European professional and business community.
The project “Women in the Age of Innovation: Creativity, Artificial Intelligence and International Development” was co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme and administered by the Education Exchanges Support Foundation.