The Milos AI Socio Lab initiative was successfully held in the Municipality of Milos on March 1–2, 2026. The event was an initiative focused on information, dialogue, and experiential learning around Artificial Intelligence and its applications in society, local government, and the development prospects of island regions.
The initiative began with an open informational meeting at the Municipal Council Hall, attended by the Mayor of Milos, Mr. Emmanouil Mikelis, as well as members of the Municipal Council, highlighting the importance of innovation and digital transition for the future of local communities.
During the meeting, the work and digital tools of the Social Inclusion Observatory were presented by Konstantina Kourkoumari and Theodora Symeonoglou, while Eirini Andrioti, a social worker, discussed the challenges and dilemmas arising from the use of Artificial Intelligence in relation to social justice. At the same time, Giorgos Karamanolis, CTO/CIO of Crowdpolicy, presented best practices for leveraging Artificial Intelligence in local government and entrepreneurship, followed by an open dialogue with citizens and representatives of local organizations.
The second day of the initiative was dedicated to the student community, with a participatory workshop organized at the General High School of Milos, attended by approximately 60 students. Kyriaki Kyritsi, Project Manager of the Social Inclusion Observatory, presented the Observatory’s digital applications and digital assistant, highlighting modern practices for the use of Artificial Intelligence.
In the interactive workshop that followed, titled “Artificial Intelligence: Friend, Tool, or Opponent?”, coordinated by Nikos Kountouratzis, psychologist, students worked in groups on scenarios for using Artificial Intelligence to address local needs. They presented their ideas and proposals and participated in an open discussion on technological developments.
The initiative concluded with an interactive activity exploring perceptions around myths and realities of Artificial Intelligence, encouraging meaningful dialogue and conscious reflection by students on technological developments. Through this process, critical thinking, collaboration, and the ability to formulate well-supported opinions were strengthened.
The Milos AI Socio Lab highlighted the importance of collaboration between institutions, local communities, and the younger generation, contributing to the strengthening of digital skills and fostering a responsible and critical approach to Artificial Intelligence.
The initiative was organized by the Social Inclusion Observatory of the South Aegean Region, in collaboration with the Milos Community Center and the Municipality of Milos, with the support of the company Crowdpolicy.
More information:
https://socialobservatory.pnai.gov.gr/
