Calabria’s Digital Transformation Trails Despite Benefits of AI for SMEs
In Calabria, a region striving to enhance its competitive edge, businesses encounter the obstacles of integrating advanced technology, with only 53% of enterprises embracing fundamental digitalization. A recent event at Confindustria Cosenza highlighted this challenge, bringing attention to the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The event, part of a national awareness campaign initiated by Small Business Industry in collaboration with Anitec-Assinform, aimed to showcase the tremendous opportunities AI holds. Leaders such as Confindustria Cosenza President Giovambattista Perciaccante, Daniele Diano from the Calabria Small Industry Committee, and Fortunato Amarelli of Digital Innovation Hub Calabria set the stage for the discussions.
Speakers from Anitec-Assinform included Vice President Domenico Favuzzi and AI working group coordinator, Massimiliano Bellifemine. Their insights were complemented by first-hand accounts from four local companies actively implementing AI, shared by representatives Giovanni Caliò, Sergio Aquino, Salvatore Iiritano, and Sara Laurita.
Prof. Gianluigi Greco, a Governing Task Force Coordinator on AI and a distinguished expert from the University of Calabria, delved into the specifics of Italy’s path to AI elaboration. Under the moderation of Anitec-Assinform General Manager Eleonora Faina, Giovanni Baroni, President of Small Business Industry Confindustria, offered the closing remarks.
Although AI is seen as pivotal, Italy’s AI market lags behind other more industrialized countries. A strategic vision to boost business investments, enhance digital skills, and raise awareness of AI’s potential is crucial for closing this gap. Despite fewer concerns about AI expressed by Italian businesses compared to European counterparts, the lack of sufficient skills is a significant obstacle. Nevertheless, with the right approach, AI is poised to enhance job quality and create prestigious employment opportunities, as past technological revolutions have done.
Challenges in Integrating AI for Calabrian SMEs
The regional competitiveness of Calabria, while potentially bolstered by AI, faces challenges such as a lack of digital skills among the workforce, possible reluctance from traditional business owners to adopt new technologies, and limited infrastructure to support advanced digital transformation.
Key Questions & Answers:
What are the main obstacles for AI integration in Calabrian SMEs?
The primary obstacles include insufficient digital skills, lack of infrastructure, potential resistance to change, and limited awareness of AI benefits.
Why is the adoption rate of fundamental digitalization only at 53% among Calabrian enterprises?
This may be due to a combination of factors such as a traditional business mindset, a shortage of resources to invest in new technologies, and a lack of regional support systems for digitalization.
What can be done to improve the situation?
Development of educational programs to foster digital skills, investment in digital infrastructure, and creation of incentives for businesses to adopt AI technologies could improve the situation.
Key Advantages & Disadvantages:
The adoption of AI in Calabria can lead to numerous advantages, including increased efficiency, the potential for innovation, improved decision-making, and fostering economic growth. However, there are also disadvantages such as the cost of implementation, the disruption of traditional business processes, and the risk of job displacement.
Related Links:
For further information on the Italian industrial and technological landscape, you may visit the website of Confindustria, the main association representing manufacturing and service companies in Italy: Confindustria.
The website of Anitec-Assinform, the Italian Association for Information Technology, may provide additional insights into digital innovation in Italy: Anitec-Assinform.
Lastly, information about the University of Calabria’s initiatives and research in AI can be found on their official website: University of Calabria.
In conclusion, while the benefits of AI for SMEs in Calabria are evident, substantial hurdles must be overcome. These range from enhancing digital literacy and skills to creating enabling infrastructures and fostering a culture of innovation and openness towards technological advancements.
The source of the article is from the blog reporterosdelsur.com.mx