The deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems in the European health industry is reshaping workforce planning requirements in regulated environments. The safe and scalable use of AI depends not only on technical capability, but on clearly defined organisational competences in data literacy, analytics, AI validation and governance across functions.
As AI adoption accelerates, employers face increasing pressure to ensure that workforce capabilities align with regulatory obligations, accountability standards and lifecycle oversight requirements. Defining, structuring and developing these competences has become a strategic workforce planning priority.
Employers increasingly require candidates with cross-functional competences that bridge technical capability with compliance requirements. The BRIGHTskills pan-European survey highlight a growing demand for specialist AI profiles, including AI integration experts, AI architects and roles combining AI expertise with regulatory and clinical trial-related knowledge.
Labour market forecasting predicts that 7 million AI-related workers will be required across the EU by 2027, with approximately 60% of the EU workforce expected to need some level of AI skills. However, the talent pipeline is narrowing as enrolment in STEM programmes has declined in nearly half of EU Member States, intensifying competition for qualified professionals.
At the same time, Article 4 of AI Act obliges providers and deployers of AI systems to ensure staff possess an appropriate level of AI literacy. Healthcare companies integrating AI systems into regulated environments must therefore demonstrate that AI systems are developed, validated, deployed and monitored by personnel with clearly defined and adequate competences.
Unlike broader digital infrastructure initiatives, AI deployment requires structured governance mechanisms, including risk categorisation, validation protocols, human oversight and lifecycle management processes. Gaps in these competences can expose companies to compliance breaches, reputational damage and operational disruption.
To validate and prioritise the specific AI governance, literacy and data related competencies required to deploy and manage AI systems safely and compliantly in regulated healthcare environments.
The 45-minute online facilitated focus group will:
Participants will gain insight into shared sector-wide AI workforce challenges and emergingcompetency priorities across the European health industry.
By contributing operational experience and regulatory perspectives, employers will directly shape the definition and prioritisation competences required for compliant AI deployment and life cycle management. The resulting BRIGHTskills implementation guidance will reflect business-led competency priorities and support alignment with AI literacy obligations under the AI Act.
This input will inform the development of targeted training provision and European skills strategies aligned with real business needs, regulatory obligations and workforce realities
