The collaboration between the Research Centre Business Innovation at Hogeschool Rotterdam and the MKB Data Studio at Erasmus University aims to strengthen ties and combine the diverse expertise and networks of both units. By working together, these two specialised entities seek to enrich the learning environment, promoting early alignment between different educational levels before students transition into professional roles. This partnership focuses on delivering data-driven and AI-enhanced business and management solutions tailored to the needs of SMEs in the South-Holland region. Through this initiative, the engagement between research, education, and the business sectors will be enhanced, fostering a more integrated approach to innovation and development.