Embedding AI Ethics in Technical Training: A Multi-Stakeholder Pilot Module Emphasizing Co-Design and Interdisciplinary Collaboration at Rome Technopole

Abstract

Higher technical education plays a strategic role in equipping the workforce to navigate rapid technological advancements and evolving labor market demands. Within the Rome Technopole framework, Spoke 4 targets ITS Academies, promoting the development of flexible, modular programs that integrate advanced technical skills with ethical, legal, and societal perspectives. This study reports on a pilot training initiative on Artificial Intelligence (AI) co-designed by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), aimed at exploring the ethical, practical, and educational relevance of AI in higher technical education. The module was developed and tested through a multi-stakeholder collaboration involving educators, institutional actors, and learners. A four-phase approach was adopted: (1) initial stakeholder consultation to identify needs and content directions, (2) collaborative design of the training module, (3) online delivery and engagement using a CAWI-based focus group, and (4) mixed-method evaluation, combining quantitative assessments and open-ended qualitative feedback. This design facilitated asynchronous participation and encouraged critical reflection on the real-world implications of AI. Through the four-phase approach, the pilot module was developed, delivered, and assessed with 37 participants. Quantitative analysis revealed high ratings for clarity, relevance, and perceived utility in terms of employability. Qualitative feedback highlighted the interdisciplinary design, the integration of ethical reasoning, and the module’s broad applicability across sectors—particularly Healthcare and Industry. Participants suggested including more real-world case studies and collaborative learning activities to enhance engagement. The findings support the feasibility and added value of embedding ethically informed, interdisciplinary AI education in professional technical training pathways. Developed within the Rome Technopole ecosystem, the pilot module offers a promising approach to fostering critical digital literacy and preparing learners for responsible engagement with emerging technologies. © 2025 by the authors.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Training ITS Academy PNRR Rome Technopole teaching

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations

Istituto Superiore Di Sanita, Rome, Italy

Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore Di Sanita, Rome, Italy

Funding & Acknowledgements

European Commission, EU

Grant: ECS00000024

Funding text 1: Ethical review and approval were waived for this study because the activities were part of the Rome Technopole project, funded by the European Union through the NextGenerationEU initiative under the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR\u2014Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.5) and the National Complementary Plan (PNC). These activities were included in the original, approved project plan and are implemented as standard routine operations. Data collection was limited to structured information from planned focus groups, and all data were fully anonymised to enhance robustness. Given that the activities are routine, planned, and anonymised, ethics committee approval and individual informed consent were not required.; Funding text 2: This study was conducted within the framework of the Rome Technopole project and was funded by the European Union through the NextGenerationEU initiative. The funding associated with this project is identified by the number ECS00000024. The project is part of Italy\u2019s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, specifically Mission 4, Component 2, Investment 1.5, and aims to promote innovation and research. The APC was funded by Daniele Giansanti.

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Embedding AI Ethics in Technical Training: A Multi-Stakeholder Pilot Module Emphasizing Co-Design and Interdisciplinary Collaboration at Rome Technopole

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