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Training for sales professionals: First transnational project meeting of CoVE Sales in Italy

17.06.2026, Research:

To further develop future-oriented vocational training in sales across Europe: this is the aim of the CoVE Sales / ERCULES project, which is funded by the European Commission (EACEA) as part of the Erasmus+ programme. On 8 and 9 June 2026, the first transnational project meeting took place in Ancona and Teramo, at which Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences (HNU), acting as CoVE Germany, was represented by Prof. Dr Alexander Kracklauer and Noè Perniola from the Sales and Sustainable Business Institute (SSBI). The project focuses on developing a common competence framework for new sales professions, promoting inclusion and gender equality, and establishing innovative, AI-supported learning environments.

The kick-off meeting was hosted by the two Italian project partners: the Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM) in Ancona, as the coordinating institution, and the Università degli Studi di Teramo (UNITE). Representatives from all six partner countries – Germany, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Austria and France – came together to present initial project findings, further strengthen collaboration and agree on the next steps.

The first day of the event in Ancona focused on research activities, project coordination and quality assurance. On the second day in Teramo, the project’s communication and dissemination strategy, as well as the planning for upcoming project meetings, were discussed and further developed.

The German team was joined by Stephanie Jordan from Wanzl GmbH & Co. KGaA, who, as a corporate partner, contributes valuable insights from sales practice. Within the project, Germany is playing a central role in the development of the AI Sales Innovation Labs, amongst other things. These practice-oriented learning environments are designed to enable the testing of artificial intelligence in real-world sales processes and the development of innovative training approaches for sales staff.

Further information on the project will be published shortly on the project website www.cove-sales.eu.