Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced the Italy findings of its 11th annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report. The research highlights a shift in how Italian manufacturers are approaching digital transformation, with growth and capacity expansion now overtaking long term strategy as the primary drivers of technology investment.
Expansion or increased capacity is cited by 68% of Italian manufacturers as the leading investment driver, reflecting a broader move toward technologies that deliver measurable operational outcomes. While 83% of organizations recognize digital transformation as necessary, progress remains uneven, underscoring a transition phase where execution and scalability are increasingly critical.
“Italian manufacturers are increasingly focused on converting digital ambition into operational results," said Luca Galluzzi, country director, Italy, Rockwell Automation. "The emphasis is shifting toward technologies that support growth, strengthen resilience and address workforce and cybersecurity challenges. The foundations are in place, and now the priority is execution: translating intent into consistent, scalable performance on the factory floor.”
Artificial intelligence sits at the center of this transition. Ninety five percent of manufacturers in Italy report using or planning to use AI or machine learning technologies, placing the country broadly in line with Europe. However, only 31% have invested in AI to date, and operational deployment remains limited. This highlights a continued gap between strategic intent and execution, even as momentum builds, with more than four in ten manufacturers planning AI investment within the next year. Where AI is applied, use cases are increasingly practical, led by process optimization and quality control.
As reliance on connected technologies grows, risk exposure is also increasing. Cybersecurity investment is accelerating rapidly, with 94% of Italian manufacturers now investing or planning to invest in cybersecurity technologies. Despite this progress, maturity levels remain uneven. Nearly four in ten manufacturers report experiencing at least one cyber incident in the past year, while confidence in prevention and containment capabilities remains comparatively low, reflecting the complexity of securing converged IT and OT environments.
Workforce dynamics are emerging as a defining factor in the pace of digital transformation. Change management is cited by 47% of Italian manufacturers as the primary barrier to progress, the highest level reported globally. Rising labor costs and persistent skills shortages are further pressuring organizations, prompting a focus on automation, organizational change and workforce development. Around 38% of employees are now engaged in reskilling programs designed to support digital roles.
Alongside AI and cybersecurity, technologies such as cloud platforms, software as a service and robotics are increasingly prioritized for their ability to deliver measurable return on investment. Cloud platforms are now identified as the leading ROI driver, more than doubling year on year. However, manufacturers report using only 39% of the data they collect effectively, pointing to a continued gap between data generation and decision making.
Taken together, the findings suggest that Italian manufacturing is progressing steadily toward greater digital maturity. Investment is becoming more targeted, adoption is increasingly tied to business outcomes, and organizations are laying the foundations for more resilient, performance driven industrial operations. The next phase will be defined by execution—turning digital capability into scalable and sustainable results.
Italy at a glance
- 83% say digital transformation is necessary
- 68% cite expansion or increased capacity as the primary investment driver
- 95% use or plan to use AI or machine learning technologies
- 31% have invested in AI to date
- 94% are investing or planning to invest in cybersecurity
- 47% cite change management as the top transformation challenge
- 38% of employees are engaged in reskilling programs
- 39% of operational data is used effectively
Methodology
This report analyzes feedback from 1,560 respondents across 17 of the top manufacturing countries representing roles from management through C-suite and was conducted by Sapio Research in association with Rockwell Automation. The survey sampled from a range of industries including Consumer Packaged Goods, Food & Beverage, Automotive, Semiconductor, Energy, Life Sciences, and more. With a balanced distribution of company sizes with revenues spanning $100 million to over $30 billion, it offers a wide breadth of manufacturing business perspectives.
