AI Literacy: Why Training on Artificial Intelligence Is No Longer Optional
In today’s context, where artificial intelligence is revolutionizing not only production processes but also the way operational decisions are made, training on the subject becomes a strategic necessity for companies. This is no longer just a technical update for specialists, but a cross-functional literacy that involves every level of the organization. This concept is known as AI Literacy, and it is not a suggestion but a requirement increasingly close to enforcement, established at the regulatory level, particularly by the European AI Act.
Many workers wonder whether these courses are simply preparing them to be replaced by machines. The reality is quite different. The goal is to make everyone, not just technicians and developers, aware of the opportunities, limitations, and risks of AI. In fact, the regulation requires companies implementing AI systems to provide appropriate training to their employees, tailored to the actual use each one will make of the technology. A theoretical introduction is not enough: a deep understanding of the ethical, legal, and organizational implications is needed.
Some organizations are already moving in this direction with advanced training programs. For example, Booking has developed courses for its legal teams focused on understanding anti-fraud algorithms, while IBM offers challenging training paths through Watson, involving the entire workforce. These are not isolated initiatives: companies like Fastweb, Generali, and Telefonica are investing in large-scale, personalized training programs. This is the key: it is not enough to provide generic training—content must be adapted to responsibilities and roles.
The framework guiding these processes is called the AI Literacy Competence Framework (ICA), a grid of competencies that emphasizes critical awareness in the use of AI. It is essential to understand how algorithms influence recruitment, performance analysis, or customer request management. It’s not just about knowing how a model works, but also about predicting the social and behavioral consequences of its applications.
However, the greatest obstacle remains cultural. Many organizations still show resistance to profound change, often limiting themselves to formal and superficial actions. The real risk is the so-called AI washing—training that is empty and designed only to obtain a certificate to display. But the regulation is clear: a piece of paper is not enough—the real impact of training must be monitored through concrete metrics, as is already being done by some pilot companiesdocumented in the European living repository.
Through this regulatory acceleration, Europe aims to guide technological development without losing sight of people’s rights and dignity. It’s a delicate but necessary balance. The push for widespread literacy represents a true policy shift, as it influences not only the adoption of tools but also the collective ability to understand and govern them.
Ignoring AI Literacy does not slow down the arrival of artificial intelligence. On the contrary, it exposes organizations to greater risks, because unaware use can result in discrimination, systemic errors, and harmful decisions. Well-designed training is not a cost, but an investment, forming the foundation to ensure that innovation truly serves people.
This is an inevitable step, and those who start early in building widespread culture and internal awareness will not only be able to comply with the law, but also stand out in a competitive context that is increasingly focused on ethics, transparency, and responsibility.
