Italy's performance towards the Digital Decade targets and objectives.
Italy has made remarkable progress in digital infrastructure and digital public services, but continues to face challenges in AI adoption and startup growth, while having a leading role in strategic technologies, such as quantum and semiconductors.
Italy details in its roadmap 67 measures for a total budget of €62.3 billion (equivalent to 2.84% of GDP).
Observed Key Performance Indicators as Percentage of the EU 2030 targets
The graph represents the observed Key Performance Indicators in the Member State as a percentage of the EU 2030 targets, as well as the distance, in percentage, to the EU 2030 targets.
The bars for cloud, data analytics and basic skills are empty, as 2023 is the most recent year for which data is available. The bars for edge nodes and unicorns are also empty as the Member State's performance cannot be compared to the EU target.
In 2024, Italy had an estimated 152 edge nodes and 9 unicorns.
High-performance connectivity and foundational technologies for a competitive EU
Italy made notable progress in the roll-out of fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP), reaching 70.7% coverage and matching the EU average.
Italy holds a leading position in strategic technologies, such as Quantum and semiconductors.
Although most of Italian SMEs (70.2%) achieved at least a basic level of digital intensity, only 8.2% of Italian enterprises adopted artificial intelligence.
Recommendation
Step up efforts to acquire a leadership position in the area of AI, also leveraging the existing centres of expertise and capabilities, including in the area of supercomputing.
The start-up ecosystem remains underdeveloped, with only nine unicorns, and does not reflect the size of the Italian economy.
Recommendation
Boost innovation in digital technologies by supporting the national ecosystem, from research/university to technology transfer centres, start-ups and scale-ups, and considering incentives for key strategic sectors.
Digital skills and public services to protect and empower EU people and society
The digitalisation of public services has advanced with the implementation of key measures, increasing interoperability and usability.
Italy is rolling out the IT-Wallet, with first pilots made available to the public, and paving the way towards the implementation of the EU Digital Identity Wallet.
Only 45.8% of the population has basic digital skills, with gaps affecting in particular people with lower education levels, but also young people.
Recommendation
Strengthen training opportunities and support services for all population groups, reinforce education on digital skills in schools and incentivise reskilling and upskilling for workers.
Italy has a relatively a low share of ICT specialists in total employment (4% in 2024), below the EU average.
Recommendation
Expand ICT higher education and align it with labour market needs, promote women's participation in ICT education and careers, and introduce measures to attract and retain ICT professionals.
Leveraging digital transformation for a smart greening
Green and digital priorities are receiving increased attention, also thanks to RePowerEU
The implementation of ‘Transition 5.0’ is ongoing although the take up is lower than expected
Funding
EUR 46.8 billion
Share of Italy’s total Recovery and Resilience plan contributing to advancing the country’s digital transformation.
EUR 4.9 billion
Share of Italy’s total Cohesion funds directly contributing to advancing the country’s digital transformation.
What do Italian citizens think of digital?
According to the special Eurobarometer on the Digital Decade 2025, 73% of Italian citizens consider that the digitalisation of public and private services is making their lives easier.
90% of citizens consider it important that public authorities mitigate the issue of fake news and disinformation online.
90% of citizens consider it important to ensure that European companies can grow and become ‘European Champions’ able to compete globally.
More on the Digital Decade Report 2025
Member States must submit to the Commission national roadmaps, detailing the actions they plan to...