Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, has been featured in the European Commission’s Repository of AI Literacy Practices, which highlights leading initiatives across Europe that help people build the skills and confidence needed to work with AI responsibly.
This contribution reflects the company’s ongoing effort to make AI learning accessible for all co-workers through practical tools, structured training, and responsible governance.
The contribution reflects the company’s human-centric and inclusive approach: over 4,000 co-workers have already engaged in foundational courses such as the 30-minute “Say Hej to AI”, and the company has an ambitious goal of training approximately 70,000 co-workers by the end of 2026.
The repository is now publicly available through the European Commission’s Digital Strategy platform.
A broader engagement with the EU
Alongside its literacy initiatives, IKEA continues to contribute to several EU-level processes related to the implementation of the recently adopted AI Act. Recent inputs include:
- Input to the public consultation on high-risk AI systems, sharing operational insights and lessons to help shape rules that are practical, safe, and supportive of innovation.
- Participation in the AI Pact, with actions reflected in the European Commission’s upcoming implementation report, which will be officially presented by the EU AI Office in Brussels in December.
- Took part in consultations to simplify and harmonise digital regulations (the Digital Omnibus Package), including AI-related rules. Feedback focused on operational clarity, risk-based simplifications, and supporting responsible, scalable AI deployment.
- Some of these activities are part of ongoing workstreams, and the company continues to engage actively with EU policymakers to support the uptake of AI in a way that reflects IKEA values: responsible, human-centric, and practical for day-to-day operations.
Advancing AI responsibly across the business
To support IKEA co-workers, the company has introduced a number of GenAI-powered tools. Copilot is available to all co-workers, while MyAI Portal (the company’s main AI Assistant) is being progressively rolled out across the entire organisation. MyAI Portal offers a primary default GenAI model alongside several added options, empowering each co-worker to select the model that best aligns with their specific tasks and requirements.
IKEA also offers several training courses to help build a strong community of practice, providing ongoing peer support and knowledge sharing. To scale AI literacy further, the company has introduced, for example, a 30-minute “Say Hej to AI” foundational course covering topics such as AI in society, key terminology, ethical considerations, critical evaluation of outputs, and prohibited uses.
The training has been prioritised in retail learning plans for FY26 and incorporated into onboarding programmes, with access to advanced AI-powered tools contingent upon completion.
A journey like no other
IKEA continues to strengthen its AI capabilities, recognising that meaningful transformation is not about new tools but about effective change management that successfully supports co-workers through the transition. The company’s approach focuses on responsible innovation, transparent governance, and hands-on learning that helps co-workers feel equipped and confident to take on their jobs.
Parag Parekh, Global CDO for IKEA Retail (Ingka Group)
“We are proud to contribute to AI literacy efforts while embedding learning within many crucial areas of the business. Our approach is human–centric: simple language, relatable examples, and peer learning communities that make AI accessible to everyone. By providing practical tools, structured training, and active participation from senior leaders, we empower our co-workers to use AI responsibly and build confidence in the technology.”
Ultimately, with a fast-changing external environment, the company welcomes the chance to collaborate with partners – such as its current partnership with PAI, a global, multi-stakeholder organisation that brings together companies, researchers, and civil society groups to develop responsible, safe, and ethical approaches to AI, as well as other industry peers to advance responsible AI development and strengthen its internal capabilities.
About Ingka Group
With IKEA retail operations in 31 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents 87% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on Ingka.com.
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