Reference Scenario, Objectives, and Target Audience
The Italian business system is characterized by excellence in processes and products, with a strong manufacturing tradition and a continuous drive toward innovation. Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a key driver of digital transformation, influencing areas such as process automation, predictive analysis, and customer experience personalization. In July 2024, AGID released a national AI strategy that incorporates European directives, with a focus on businesses and managers.
The adoption of AI is therefore fundamental for the Italian production system, fostering innovation in the value chain. Artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, is transforming business models and will become crucial for addressing future challenges such as sustainability. Italian companies must integrate AI into their processes to maintain competitiveness, taking into account the specific characteristics of the national production fabric. In this context, it is essential to build an innovation ecosystem based on AI and promote a managerial culture aligned with technological advances.
The project is aimed at at least 200 managers from at least 80 Italian companies, with diverse representation of industrial sectors and business functions. The selection of participants will focus on professionals with decision-making and strategic roles within companies who are directly involved in digitalization processes and the adoption of innovative technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. 50% of the companies involved in the initiative will be Fund members, thus ensuring broad representation of the Italian business fabric. The diversity of participants in terms of gender, seniority, background, and professional expertise will foster a rich exchange of ideas and practical solutions, enriching the project with a broad vision of Italian business dynamics.
The main objective of the project is to support business leaders in the optimal adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within their organizations, also by providing practical and universal instructions and guidelines that enable the enhancement of AI in the managerial profession at all levels (strategic, cultural, ethical, etc.).
The specific objectives are:
- Develop a multidimensional theoretical framework that explores managerial dynamics in AI adoption, focusing on skills, organizational culture, and ethical aspects.
- Investigate the role of professional networks and knowledge sharing to promote the integration of AI in businesses, fostering learning and skills transfer.
- Examine the emergence of new managerial skills related to interaction with AI, studying how technology can evolve traditional managerial competencies.
These objectives will guide Italian companies in digital transformation, integrating AI as a key factor for competitiveness and innovation.
Research Phases and Planned Actions
The core research activities are organized into three main phases:
1. Systematic literature review and focus groups: The initial phase includes a review of the main theories and practices on AI adoption, with the aim of validating and enriching existing knowledge. The results of the literature review will be presented in a focus group to collect qualitative data with the intent of validating the constructed framework and identifying new research opportunities.
2. Research laboratories: In this phase, several laboratories will be conducted involving managers in practical activities, addressing topics such as data governance, human-machine interaction, and the financial implications of AI, with the goal of co-creating solutions for AI integration in companies.
3. Multi-case empirical study: The final phase involves an empirical study that will engage a selected sample of managers, exploring AI adoption strategies and developing theoretical models. The results will contribute to the drafting of a final report with practical guidelines for AI integration in businesses.
Outputs
The project aims to provide Italian companies and managers with practical tools to integrate artificial intelligence into their business processes. The main expected outcomes include the creation of a theoretical model on managerial dynamics related to AI adoption, the identification of new managerial skills, and the development of practical models for implementing AI in companies. Additionally, through laboratories and empirical study, the project will provide concrete methodologies to optimize the use of AI, improving competitiveness and efficiency. Dissemination activities and sharing of results will help promote an innovative managerial culture and create best practices for Italian companies.
Reference Scenario, Objectives, and Target Audience
The Italian business system is characterized by excellence in processes and products, with a strong manufacturing tradition and a continuous drive toward innovation. Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a key driver of digital transformation, influencing areas such as process automation, predictive analysis, and customer experience personalization. In July 2024, AGID released a national AI strategy that incorporates European directives, with a focus on businesses and managers.
The adoption of AI is therefore fundamental for the Italian production system, fostering innovation in the value chain. Artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, is transforming business models and will become crucial for addressing future challenges such as sustainability. Italian companies must integrate AI into their processes to maintain competitiveness, taking into account the specific characteristics of the national production fabric. In this context, it is essential to build an innovation ecosystem based on AI and promote a managerial culture aligned with technological advances.
The project is aimed at at least 200 managers from at least 80 Italian companies, with diverse representation of industrial sectors and business functions. The selection of participants will focus on professionals with decision-making and strategic roles within companies who are directly involved in digitalization processes and the adoption of innovative technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. 50% of the companies involved in the initiative will be Fund members, thus ensuring broad representation of the Italian business fabric. The diversity of participants in terms of gender, seniority, background, and professional expertise will foster a rich exchange of ideas and practical solutions, enriching the project with a broad vision of Italian business dynamics.
The main objective of the project is to support business leaders in the optimal adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within their organizations, also by providing practical and universal instructions and guidelines that enable the enhancement of AI in the managerial profession at all levels (strategic, cultural, ethical, etc.).
The specific objectives are:
- Develop a multidimensional theoretical framework that explores managerial dynamics in AI adoption, focusing on skills, organizational culture, and ethical aspects.
- Investigate the role of professional networks and knowledge sharing to promote the integration of AI in businesses, fostering learning and skills transfer.
- Examine the emergence of new managerial skills related to interaction with AI, studying how technology can evolve traditional managerial competencies.
These objectives will guide Italian companies in digital transformation, integrating AI as a key factor for competitiveness and innovation.
Research Phases and Planned Actions
The core research activities are organized into three main phases:
1. Systematic literature review and focus groups: The initial phase includes a review of the main theories and practices on AI adoption, with the aim of validating and enriching existing knowledge. The results of the literature review will be presented in a focus group to collect qualitative data with the intent of validating the constructed framework and identifying new research opportunities.
2. Research laboratories: In this phase, several laboratories will be conducted involving managers in practical activities, addressing topics such as data governance, human-machine interaction, and the financial implications of AI, with the goal of co-creating solutions for AI integration in companies.
3. Multi-case empirical study: The final phase involves an empirical study that will engage a selected sample of managers, exploring AI adoption strategies and developing theoretical models. The results will contribute to the drafting of a final report with practical guidelines for AI integration in businesses.
Outputs
The project aims to provide Italian companies and managers with practical tools to integrate artificial intelligence into their business processes. The main expected outcomes include the creation of a theoretical model on managerial dynamics related to AI adoption, the identification of new managerial skills, and the development of practical models for implementing AI in companies. Additionally, through laboratories and empirical study, the project will provide concrete methodologies to optimize the use of AI, improving competitiveness and efficiency. Dissemination activities and sharing of results will help promote an innovative managerial culture and create best practices for Italian companies.