Designing the future: AI tools and training support for entrepreneurship and human capital development
Abstract
Italy’s Inner Areas, such as Capitanata in Apulia, face geographic isolation, demographic fragility, and infrastructural gaps that constrain educational and employment opportunities. This study proposes an evidence-based educational protocol integrating Outdoor Education (OE), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and entrepreneurship education to develop human capital and support socio-economic regeneration. It adopts a longitudinal mixed-methods design in three phases: context analysis, co-design of the protocol following design thinking principles, and implementation with evaluation. Preliminary results from three studies indicate: (1) high perceived effectiveness of OE on motivation, well-being, and transversal skills, alongside logistical barriers and the need for institutional support; (2) teachers report high self-efficacy but low motivation due to frustration of the psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and a strong demand for innovative methodologies; (3) entrepreneurs point to a mismatch between schooling and labor market needs, calling for soft skills, authentic experiences, and systemic inclusion strategies, including for people with disabilities. The protocol aims to personalize learning through AI, leverage territory-based experiences via OE, and translate them into impact-oriented projects through entrepreneurship education, contributing to the SDGs on quality education, reduced inequalities, and sustainable communities.
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