Observatory on the Digital Transformation of Italy
A Platform for the monitoring and analysis of digitalisation in Italy, in collaboration with IBM Italia Foundation and Eni's Enrico Mattei Foundation
The European House - Ambrosetti, in collaboration with IBM Italia Foundation and Eni's Enrico Mattei Foundation, launched in 2022 a Strategic Observatory on the Digital Transformation of Italy. The working group will prepare and present an Annual Report on the scenario of digitalisation in Italy and its development perspectives, with policy recommendations for decision makers and business leaders.
What is the Observatory on the Digital Transformation of Italy
The Observatory is a permanent Think Tank aimed at analysing the process of digitalisation in Italy, and especially those aspects of the digital transformation that are not fully represented by traditional indicators. It also frames future developments of the scenario, by designing the best nation-wide strategies for supporting and accelerating the transition on the basis of ethics, inclusion and sustainability principles.
2022 Forum
The results of the Observatory's 1st edition were presented during a final Forum, on November 29, 2022 in Rome.
Key figures of digitalisation in Italy

80%
people who use the Internet
at least once a week
(87% is the EU average)

40%
citizens who interact
with the public administration online
(65% is the EU average)

56%
companies with a website
with advanced features
(62% is the EU average)
Why is it important to talk about digitalisation today?
Five reasons for creating an Obervatory on Digital Transformation in Italy
Italians are still behind in digitalisation
Italy is lagging behind equally among citizens, public administration and businesses - in particular SMEs - as also noted by international indexes: it is 18th out of 27 EU countries, according to the DESI Index, and last among Europe's major economies.
More digital skills, connectivity and data sharing are needed
Italy’s digital transformation process is hampered by a lack of digital skills, connectivity and data sharing (only one third of companies share data digitally with public administrations and stakeholders).
Italy's Recovery Plan allocates funds for digital transformation
Major investments towards digital transformation are expected in the coming years: Italy will allocate 40.7 billion Euro from the NRRP (National Plan of Recovery and Resilience, or PNRR), an amount equivalent to the overall resources allocated by France, Spain and Germany, and 24% of the funds will support the digitalisation of the public administration, with the intention of accelerating the growth of the whole economic system.
Sustainability and digital go hand by hand
Green transition is one of the major challenges of these years, whose success is stricly tied to digitalisation processes.
Digital transformation is an opportunity for businesses
With productivity stagnating for over 20 years, the digital transition is a unique opportunity for the growth and relaunch of Italy’s competitiveness.