Home Economy SMEs and artificial intelligence: growth opportunities and challenges

SMEs and artificial intelligence: growth opportunities and challenges

The integration of artificial intelligence opens new doors for Italian small and medium-sized enterprises, boosting revenues and national GDP.

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Adopting AI is a strategic challenge for Italian SMEs, but it also offers a unique opportunity to enhance competitiveness and access new markets. Unimpresa calls on policymakers to encourage the spread of innovative technologies and create a collaborative ecosystem between public and private sectors.

The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) could transform the landscape for Italian SMEs, with potential annual revenue growth between 10% and 20% over the next five years. According to a report by the Unimpresa research center, this innovation could also drive a 12% increase in Italy’s GDP by 2030, fueled by productivity and efficiency gains.

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The benefits of AI for SMEs

Automation and process optimization are projected to boost productivity by 1.5% annually, while reducing operating costs by up to 40%. AI-based solutions, including chatbots and machine learning algorithms, streamline repetitive or administrative tasks, enabling businesses to focus on strategic development.

For example, AI-driven demand forecasting systems optimize inventory management, enhancing delivery punctuality and increasing online sales conversion rates by up to 20%. Smart e-commerce platforms and personalized recommendation algorithms offer SMEs powerful tools to expand into new markets and elevate customer experiences.

Challenges and regulations

Despite these advantages, SMEs face significant barriers to adopting AI. Initial investments, ranging from €50,000 to €500,000, remain a challenge for many businesses. Additionally, only 17% of Italian companies have the necessary digital skills to fully harness these technologies.

European regulations on artificial intelligence aim to ensure safety and transparency but may also impose high compliance costs. However, the establishment of an AI-focused committee by Agcom marks a significant step toward a balanced regulatory framework that fosters innovation while protecting fundamental rights.

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