A report by Anitec-Assinform, the Confindustria association representing major ICT companies, highlights the growth of AI technology. The banking and telecommunications sectors are driving this expansion, with notable momentum in manufacturing.
Italy’s AI Market Poised for Rapid Growth
The AI market in Italy is projected to double in volume within the next three years. Strategic advancements in artificial intelligence will see the market grow from €909 million in 2024 to €1.802 billion by 2027, maintaining a consistent growth rate observed in recent years. For context, the total market value in 2022 was approximately €435 million, which then grew by 55% to €674 million in 2023, followed by an additional 34.8% increase.
Structural Challenges: Bridging the Gap Between Large Enterprises and SMEs
These projections come from the report “The AI Market in Italy” by Anitec-Assinform, which describes the growth as robust but uneven. A critical issue lies in structural disparities, particularly between large enterprises and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs):
- Large enterprises: AI adoption rate of 24.1%.
- SMEs: AI adoption rate of only 7.7%.
However, innovative SMEs and startups play a vital role in this ecosystem. The report identifies 301 companies specializing in AI and machine learning as part of the digital enabler sector, representing 47% of the total.
Banking and Telecommunications Lead Investments, While Manufacturing Surges
The banking sector leads AI investments in Italy, with €173.6 million, followed by telecommunications and media at €161.6 million. Manufacturing, however, is rapidly gaining momentum. In this sector, AI is driving process optimization, sustainability, and the creation of new business models.
To sustain this momentum, Confindustria emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that fosters experimentation. This includes implementing “regulatory sandboxes” to prevent stricter national regulations from stifling innovation when compared to supranational standards.
Building the Foundation for AI Growth
Massimo Dal Checco, president of Anitec-Assinform, underlines the importance of collective action:
“Our goal is to amplify the voice of ICT companies that face market challenges daily. Their perspectives on frontier digital technologies, supported by data and empirical evidence, are a valuable asset for the entire country. To accelerate AI development, we need a strategy that integrates three key elements: fostering digital skills in education, enhancing advanced computing infrastructure, and strengthening public-private partnerships.”
