Through the CoVEs, Erasmus+ supports centers of excellence across Europe that provide high-quality vocational training, thereby ensuring employability, innovation, and regional development. The new SALES-CoVE focuses on advancing vocational and academic continuing education for (future) sales professionals. Against the backdrop of technological developments such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation, universities and companies are to jointly develop modern, practice-oriented learning programs. The project supports key EU strategies for strengthening industry and SMEs while simultaneously addressing the growing shortage of skilled workers in sales.
A European Network for Excellence in Sales
The SALES-CoVEs create local competence ecosystems that promote innovation, regional development, and social inclusion. At the same time, they collaborate internationally to expand knowledge and excellence across borders. The approach is deliberately “bottom-up”: regional stakeholders are closely involved so that educational offerings can quickly adapt to economic and social needs
HNU as a Knowledge Hub: Expertise from the Sales and Sustainable Business Institute
The Sales and Sustainable Business Institute (SSBI) at HNU contributes its proven expertise in sales education and the application of AI in sales processes. In addition, the institute involves other regional companies, including TRICAT GmbH. The SSBI serves as the project’s “Knowledge Hub” and handles tasks across several work packages, including needs analysis, implementation, piloting, dissemination, and project management. HNU’s own AI developments will be tested and further refined as part of the project.
Goals of Project Participation
Specific goals include training more than 120 sales specialists and managers using AI-supported training formats, developing new AI- and VR-based training and continuing education courses in sales, and establishing an international Sales Lab infrastructure with all network partners. In addition, scientific support is provided through a doctoral position at the doctoral college “Digital Innovations for a Changing Society” (DIWAG).
