As SMEs Prepare for Digital Change

A research report from 2025-2026 at Politecnico di Milano highlights that only 7% of SMEs have initiated structured programs on AI training. The integration of new technological tools requires adequate preparation, ranging from improving professional skills to project development. The diffusion of AI in Italian SMEs progresses at different speeds. According to the Osservatorio Innovazione Digitale nelle PMI del Politecnico di Milano, 24% of the companies have already invested or plan to invest in artificial intelligence, while the majority have not yet integrated this technology into their investment programs. The research, presented in May 2026, also shows a strong polarization in spending on digital. The 24% of SMEs invest intensively in all business areas, while another 27% concentrate resources on priority functions. The remaining companies invest little, consider digitalization marginal, or even renounce investments. This polarization is also due to difficulties in integrating new technological tools, such as AI, with traditional enterprise procedures. Investments in the future digital future of Italian SMEs are still limited, but they are starting to grow. According to the Osservatorio Innovazione Digitale nelle PMI del Politecnico di Milano, 76% of Italian SMEs have not invested nor plan to invest in artificial intelligence; the Istat, in the Enterprise and ICT survey - Year 2025, notes that 48.8% of SMEs use ERP systems, while 21.1% adopt CRM software. This indicator demonstrates that Italian SMEs have not yet reached the necessary level of investment to benefit from the opportunities offered by AI. In conclusion, the Digitalization of Value of the Enterprise 2026 panel event organized by PMI.it and Wall Street Italia on November 3, Milan, will be a good starting point for Italian SME leaders. Registration is available on the event's official page, at the Centro Congressi (Falck Hall) in Via Chiaravalle 8. Register and participate in the event. In summary: according to the Osservatorio Innov