Istat: report IMPRESE E ICT | YEAR 2025

Analysis of the Digitalization Process of Italian Companies

The article highlights how the digitalization process of Italian companies is growing, yet still far from real operational maturity. In recent years, the adoption of technologies such as cloud, management software and artificial intelligence elements has increased significantly, with the latter doubling in a single year to reach 16.4% of companies. At the same time, data analysis capabilities are also growing, signaling an evolution toward more structured models.

However, this growth remains predominantly quantitative rather than qualitative. Only about half of companies use an ERP, and the majority of SMEs are still at a basic level of digitalization. E-commerce, though widespread, also shows signs of stagnation and a declining share of revenue, indicating that digital presence does not automatically translate into economic performance.

Significant structural limitations are also emerging: a shortage of skills is holding back AI adoption in a considerable share of companies and, more broadly, technologies are often introduced without any real rethinking of processes. The result is a fragmented system in which digital tools exist but are neither integrated nor used as a strategic lever.

Overall, the picture that emerges is not one of technological lag, but of incomplete digitalization: companies are adopting tools, but have not yet built systems capable of generating efficiency, control and competitive advantage.

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