Italy’s National Strategic Programme on Artificial Intelligence 2022-2024

Italy’s National Strategic Programme on Artificial Intelligence outlines a comprehensive strategy aimed at positioning the country as a leader in AI research, development, and application. The programme is structured around six objectives and eleven priority sectors, supported by three strategic areas of intervention.

Objectives

1. Advance Frontier Research: Promote both fundamental and applied AI research to generate significant impacts across industry, public sector, society, and the environment.
2. Reduce Research Fragmentation: Foster collaborations to achieve critical mass and integrate research efforts.
3. Develop Human-Centred AI: Ensure AI solutions are trustworthy and comply with regulations, promoting societal acceptance.
4. Boost AI Innovation: Encourage industrial investments and public-private partnerships to drive AI adoption in businesses.
5. Promote AI in Public Sector: Enhance public administration processes and services through AI.
6. Attract and Retain Talent: Develop a strong AI workforce by promoting education and making Italy an attractive destination for AI professionals.

Priority Sectors

1. Industry and Manufacturing: Leverage AI for innovative processes, products, and business models to maintain global competitiveness.
2. Education System: Integrate AI into all education levels to prepare a skilled workforce.
3. Agri-Food: Implement precision agriculture to improve competitiveness and sustainability.
4. Culture and Tourism: Enhance Italy’s cultural heritage and tourism through advanced technologies.
5. Health and Wellbeing: Use AI to improve healthcare, particularly for aging populations and severe diseases.
6. Environment, Infrastructures, and Networks: Use AI for resource preservation, emission reduction, and ecological transition.
7. Banking, Finance, and Insurance: Improve service quality, fraud prevention, and transaction security.
8. Public Administration: Optimize bureaucratic processes and enhance public services using AI.
9. Smart Cities and Communities: Utilize AI to improve urban living and reduce pollution.
10. National Security: Strengthen cybersecurity and other security measures using AI.
11. Information Technologies: Innovate in IT fields crucial for AI, like natural language processing and computer vision.

Strategic Areas of Intervention

1. Talent and Skills:
   • Strengthening national PhD programs to train AI researchers.
   • Attracting and retaining AI talent through competitive research opportunities.
   • Enhancing AI skills in public administration.
   • Promoting STEM education to support AI career development.
2. Research:
   • Building a connected AI research ecosystem.
   • Launching a national AI research data and software platform.
   • Creating research chairs and promoting curiosity-driven research.
   • Supporting multidisciplinary AI research champions.
3. Applications:
   • Promoting AI adoption in businesses through incentives and education.
   • Supporting the growth of AI start-ups and spin-offs.
   • Facilitating the certification of AI products.
   • Organizing awareness campaigns about AI benefits and regulations.

Governance

The governance structure of the strategy includes collaboration among various stakeholders, including universities, research centers, public and private sectors, and international partners. The programme emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships and international cooperation to ensure the successful implementation of AI initiatives.

By focusing on these strategic areas, Italy aims to enhance its AI ecosystem, drive economic growth, and ensure that AI technologies are developed and used in a responsible and ethical manner​​.