Italian Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2024-2026

The Italian Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2024-2026 outlines a visionary plan to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into various sectors to enhance competitiveness, innovation, and societal well-being. The document serves as a comprehensive framework to guide Italy in the responsible and effective use of AI technologies while addressing ethical, cultural, and economic considerations. This strategy lays the groundwork for Italy’s proactive engagement in the global AI landscape, fostering a balance between technological advancement and societal well-being.

Strategic objectives and principles

• Anthropocentric and sustainable AI: The strategy prioritises the development of AI technologies that place human needs at the center and promote sustainability and ethical practices.
• Enhancing competitiveness: It leverages AI to boost productivity and innovation across industries, from traditional manufacturing to advanced digital services.
• Fostering research and innovation: The framework encourages foundational and applied AI research, ensuring that Italy remains globally competitive.

Macro-areas of focus

• Research
• Public administration
• Enterprises
• Training and education

Research initiatives

The strategy emphasises significant investments in foundational and applied AI research. It supports collaborations between academia, public institutions, and private enterprises to strengthen the national research ecosystem. Special attention is given to developing Italian-specific large language models (LMMs) that comply with European ethical and regulatory standards. These models are designed to reflect Italian cultural and linguistic nuances, ensuring they align with national values.

The plan also promotes interdisciplinary projects to address social challenges, such as environmental conservation, digital humanities, and the ethical implications of AI in governance. Support for long-term “blue-sky” research is highlighted, aimed at groundbreaking innovations that can redefine AI’s role in society and industry.

Public administration transformation

Artificial intelligence is seen as a key driver of efficiency and innovation in public administration. The strategy encourages the adoption of AI solutions to streamline administrative processes and improve service delivery for citizens and businesses. National pilot projects will test these systems in real-world scenarios, with scalability in mind.

To guide this transformation, the government will implement procurement and development guidelines ensuring AI systems adhere to ethical and functional standards. These measures aim to foster trust in AI technologies while promoting their effective integration into public services.

Enterprise development

The framework recognises the importance of supporting Italian enterprises, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in adopting AI technologies. Through financial incentives, training programs, and collaborative research initiatives, the strategy aims to bridge the gap between technological potential and industrial application.

Startups specialising in AI will receive targeted support to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurial growth. Partnerships between businesses, academic institutions, and public administration will further enhance the application of AI in diverse industrial contexts, strengthening Italy’s competitive edge.

Training and education

Education is a cornerstone of the strategy. AI-focused curricula will be integrated at all levels of the education system, from primary schools to Ph.D. programs. The strategy emphasises the importance of interdisciplinary learning, incorporating technical, ethical, and societal aspects of AI.

Efforts will be made to address the digital skills gap through upskilling and reskilling initiatives. These programs will prepare professionals for the evolving labor market influenced by AI, ensuring a smooth transition for workers displaced by technological advancements.

Risks and mitigation strategies

The strategy acknowledges potential risks associated with AI adoption, including cultural homogenisation, regulatory overreach, and digital divides. Mitigation measures include promoting AI solutions tailored to Italian values, aligning national regulations with European frameworks, and ensuring equitable access to AI technologies and training across all regions.

The risk of workforce displacement is addressed through comprehensive training programs aimed at equipping individuals with the skills needed in an AI-driven economy.

Implementation and monitoring

The strategy underscores the importance of robust infrastructure, including advanced computing resources and comprehensive data repositories, to support AI initiatives. A centralised foundation will oversee implementation, coordination, and funding, ensuring strategic alignment and accountability.

Data governance plays a pivotal role, with the establishment of a registry for datasets and AI models. This initiative aims to standardise practices, accelerate innovation, and ensure compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.

Societal and economic impact

The framework highlights AI’s transformative potential across sectors such as healthcare, education, and cultural heritage preservation. By enabling earlier diagnoses, personalised treatments, adaptive learning systems, and sustainable management of resources, AI can significantly enhance quality of life.

Economically, AI is projected to increase Italy’s GDP by up to 18.2% annually, with applications spanning industries such as tourism, agri-food, and aerospace. This growth positions Italy as a leader in ethical, sustainable, and innovative AI development, aligned with its cultural and industrial strengths.