The Fundación Canaria Living Lab para la Investigación (FCLL) is a private, non-profit institution, recently created, which, although based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, aims to provide services throughout the entire Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands.

The FCLL aims to promote and support top quality research, contributing to the general benefit of society and improving the competitiveness of the Canarian economy, by generating technological knowledge, carrying out R&D&I activities, developing and managing spaces for data generation and live experimentation (living labs and hotel labs) and promoting their application to the business fabric with a public-private collaboration model. The Foundation’s main objective is therefore fundamental research, industrial research or experimental development and to widely disseminate the results of these activities through teaching, training, publication or knowledge transfer; the generation of data and knowledge, acting as an element of development and innovation, with special emphasis on disruptive technologies (thinking about the future), enabling (thinking about people) and sustainable (thinking about the planet), which clearly connects the requested project with the profile of the organisation.

Virtual reality training and neuroassessment programme for service sector skills. Innovative learning methodologies: training and assessment, using virtual reality, neuroscience and artificial intelligence to develop key competencies for new labour needs. Leadership skills training and assessment system that measures and trains each of the implicit brain processes that lead to decision-making in a personalised way.

The initial phase of the project included the application of a face-to-face neuroassessment at Tafira’s facilities, using virtual reality technology to assess horizontal competencies. Prior to this, participants completed three online questionnaires to facilitate the generation of a personalised behavioural styles report. During the neuroassessment, data was collected through eye activity, voice and behaviour, which was processed using Bias-Free algorithms to ensure objectivity. The resulting report included neuropsychological dimensions and leadership styles. Subsequently, training in assertiveness, empathy and communication skills was provided, comprising online sessions, virtual reality and face-to-face workshops led by professionals in the field. The satisfaction of the participants was remarkable, reflected in a positive assessment of the quality of the contents, the training of the coaches and the attention received throughout the course.

• Workshop 1:This workshop focused on leadership styles. Once the participants had completed the neuroassessment and received their reports on their behavioural styles, they were divided into 3 groups according to their predominant leadership style (executive, inspirational or permissive). From there, a group dynamic was created and led by an expert coach in the field.
• Workshop 2:This workshop focused on communication skills. We analysed together the videos that were sent by the participants themselves, where they applied for a vacancy in Cirque du Soleil. The objective was to analyse the communication skills used by the participants, making constructive criticisms.

The main purpose of the project was to innovate training methodologies for use by the Canary Islands Employment Service, with the aim of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of its programmes. This approach covered both training and skills assessment processes, anticipating the demands of the labour market.

1. The specific objectives of the programme included:

1. Use Virtual Reality as a cross-cutting platform to assess various horizontal competences, with an initial emphasis on leadership skills.
2. To analyse the results obtained from the use of virtual reality and neuroscience in the training processes of transversal competences.
3. Study competency variables by job/segment in order to design new personalised and innovative training programmes.
4. Generate innovative training capacities in the Canary Islands to strengthen the entrepreneurial and educational fabric.

1. The programme’s training itinerary covered the following modules:

1. Digital platform for accompaniment and dynamisation: provided access to training content through an online platform, offering theoretical materials, explanatory videos, practical exercises and self-perception questionnaires.
2. Virtual reality module for the assessment of horizontal competencies: assessed leadership competencies based on a neuroscientific model, generating customised reports on leadership styles.
3. Virtual reality module for the training of horizontal competences: facilitated training in empathy, assertiveness and communication skills through online sessions, virtual reality and face-to-face workshops.
4. Face-to-face module of training pills on horizontal competences: allowed the practice and evaluation of what was learnt through group dynamics and workshops focused on leadership styles and communication skills.

The project exceeded the initial target of 100 participants, with a total of 101 people completing the training, evidencing a positive response from the working community to these professional development initiatives.