Italian Companies Embrace AI Investment Despite Risks and Uncertainties
August 15, 2025
Key Findings:
A significant portion of Italian companies are poised to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2029, driven by productivity gains and operational efficiency. However, concerns over security, data reliability, and ethical challenges persist. Regional disparities and employment impacts further complicate the landscape.
A Growing Commitment to AI
Approximately 27% of Italian companies plan to invest in AI technologies by 2029, according to a recent study by the Centro Studi Tagliacarne. This trend is spearheaded by large enterprises (45.7%) and younger entrepreneurs (31%), who see AI as a strategic tool for modernization.
Sector Priorities:
- Manufacturing leads in AI adoption, with a 61% investment propensity.
- Knowledge-intensive sectors (consulting, R&D) and chimical-pharmaceutical industries follow closely.
- Tourism, logistics, and hospitality lag at 17.7%, highlighting regional and sectoral gaps.
Drivers of AI Investment
Companies prioritize productivity gains, with those leveraging AI reporting a 12% increase in labor productivity. Larger firms (50-499 employees) see even higher returns at 19%, while low-tech firms achieve a 15% boost.
Other motivations include:
- Automation of production processes (33.9%).
- Efficiency in decision-making and marketing strategies (29.6% and 20.7%, respectively).
- Export potential: AI users are 10% more likely to expand exports, with Pmi showing a 17% increase.
Persistent Concerns and Risks
Despite the push for AI, 81.6% of companies express concerns about risks. Key worries include:
- Cybersecurity and privacy (47.5%).
- Data reliability (33%).
- Human-robot interaction (30.5%).
- Intellectual property theft (19%) and legal accountability (17.9%).
Gaetano Fausto Esposito, director of the Centro Studi Tagliacarne, notes that cultural barriers and rapid technological evolution contribute to hesitation. “Many firms lack understanding of AI’s complexities and its evolving capabilities,” he explains.
Regional Disparities and Opportunities
The North-East leads in AI investment (28%), followed by the North-West (27.4%) and Center (27%). The South and Islands trail at 24%, though Esposito highlights potential for catch-up: “Late investment in the South may yield faster adoption due to lower entry costs.”
Employment Implications
AI’s impact on jobs remains contentious:
- 32.7% of firms fear job losses.
- 8.4% anticipate hiring growth.
- 30.2% expect neutral effects, balancing automation with new roles.
Training is a critical focus: 29.6% of companies plan to boost employee upskilling, while 13.2% aim to expand career opportunities.
The Path Forward
While challenges persist, the study underscores AI’s transformative potential for Italian industry. As Esposito concludes, “The digital transition is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. The key is to navigate risks while fostering innovation and resilience.”
Source: Il Sole 24 Ore | Article Link
Published: August 15, 2025
This summary distills key insights from the original article, emphasizing trends, risks, and regional dynamics in AI adoption across Italian enterprises.