The Italian ICT business market continues to grow and looks to the future with confidence. Estimates for 2025 indicate a 4.5% increase, with a total value approaching €44 billion. According to forecasts, this positive trend is expected to continue into 2026, in line with the performance recorded in recent years. In short, this is the picture outlined by the latest Anitec-Assinform report, “Digital in Italy”.
This scenario is not an isolated one, but part of a broader European context that is equally dynamic and constantly evolving. Digital investments have now become a strategic asset for companies, which are increasingly relying on advanced ICT technologies to strengthen competitiveness, improve operational efficiency and support growth strategies.
Driving the market are the so-called new digital drivers: cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data & analytics and cybersecurity. These technologies are reshaping business models and are seeing particularly strong momentum among large enterprises, especially in the development and integration of AI solutions. Small and medium-sized enterprises are also increasing their investments, albeit at a different pace.
One fact cuts across companies of all sizes: digital transformation is no longer optional. Today, only 3.6% of businesses have not yet adopted any ICT technology, a figure that has halved compared to 2023. This is a clear sign of how essential digitalisation has become in order to remain competitive.
Companies are investing mainly in devices, connectivity and cybersecurity, all critical areas for ensuring operational continuity and data protection. Among the most innovative technologies, Artificial Intelligence stands out, now adopted by around three out of ten companies, a figure that has quadrupled in recent years. 24% of businesses use at least one AI platform, primarily ChatGPT, followed by Gemini and Google Cloud AI, to improve productivity, automation and the quality of internal processes.
Digital technologies for process optimisation
Companies are also looking ahead. Despite an overall good level of digital maturity, 41% of businesses plan further investments to strengthen or upgrade their technological infrastructure. In many cases, ICT budgets are expected to increase, with a focus on business development, production process innovation and optimisation of internal workflows. The areas most affected include communication and marketing, customer management and back-office activities.
However, some barriers remain. Limited financial resources and a lack of digital skills, across all organisational levels, continue to slow down the full development of digital transformation. Nevertheless, the report highlights a key insight: there is a direct link between digitalisation and economic performance. The more a company invests in technology, the better the results in terms of efficiency, cost reduction and competitiveness. A bidirectional relationship that further reinforces the strategic value of ICT.
The Italian landscape: digitalisation of SMEs
In Italy, the level of digitalisation among small and medium-sized enterprises still shows significant territorial and sectoral differences. Digital maturity is increasing, but not evenly: the national average stands at 58.7 points out of 100, with higher values in Northern Italy (60) and lower ones in the South (57).
The most advanced sectors are those related to healthcare, consumer goods and personal services, while areas such as home maintenance and care still show considerable room for improvement.
The most digitally advanced SMEs have invested primarily in online sales channels, such as e-commerce platforms and e-shops, often combined with the management of at least one social network to increase brand visibility and awareness. In this context, an integrated digital strategy, bringing together multiple up-to-date channels and appropriate technological tools, represents a key driver of growth.
The picture is different when it comes to more advanced technologies. Artificial Intelligence is still not widely adopted among Italian SMEs, with usage rates below 8%. The main barriers include a lack of specialised skills, costs perceived as too high and, in some cases, limited awareness of AI’s real value. Where it is adopted, AI is mainly used in marketing, sales and commercial functions, helping to optimise processes and improve business results.
Artificial Intelligence therefore plays a dual role: on the one hand, it can help smaller companies bridge the digital gap; on the other, it acts as a powerful accelerator of competitiveness for more structured enterprises.
An evolving scenario
Overall, the 2025 data presents a positive picture, with growth prospects extending into 2026. While there is still room for improvement, one thing is now clear: digital technologies are an essential pillar for the present and future of businesses. The digital transformation process is underway, and by now, it is unstoppable.