Italy – National Artificial Intelligence strategy

• February 16, 2024
• admin

The Italian National AI Strategy published in June 2022, was developed by Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy in cooperation with group of experts. The Strategy has been developed for a 3 year period from 2022 to 2024. The primary goal of the Strategy is to define a coherent and holistic framework of initiatives to support the development of a national AI ecosystem.

The Strategic Programme indicates:

• 6 objectives 
• 11 priority sectors
• 3 areas of intervention.

The three areas of intervention are:

• Strengthening and attracting the talents and competences that will enable the AI-driven economy.
• Expanding funding of advanced research in AI.
• Favoring the adoption of AI and its applications both in the public administration (PA) and in the Italian economy at large.

For these areas, the Strategic Programme indicates 24 policy initiatives Italy should embrace.

Skills and Talent development

Amongst the six objectives of the strategy emphasis is put also on skills and talent development. Italy has stated in the strategy the need to create, retain and attract AI talent in Italy by promoting all levels of education in AI, creating a new generation of holistic AI researchers and innovators, making Italy an attractive AI destination for qualified human capital from abroad, with a particular attention to diversity and gender balance.

The strategy outlines 11 priority sectors in which Italy is committed to investing, and one of these areas is the education system. The strategy emphasizes the need to educate all individuals about AI technology through a new education and training plan aimed at fostering understanding, reinforcement, integration, and dissemination of AI technology. Transforming the education system to develop more personalized learning plans that ensure fairness and trustworthiness, while integrating AI at all education levels, has also been acknowledged as one of the priorities.

Regarding talent and skills development five key policies have been set:

• Strengthening the National PhD program.
• Attracting and retraining talents.
• Strengthening AI skills in the Public Administration.
• Promoting STEM courses and career.
• AI in ITS.

The full text of “The Italian National AI Strategy” is available in English.