Digital Agenda

Now in its fourteenth edition, the Digital Agenda Observatory aims to provide decision-makers with interpretive frameworks, tools grounded in solid empirical evidence, and forums for discussion to help them capitalize on the opportunities offered by digital innovation in relation to key issues that affect the Country’s competitiveness (Public Sector efficiency, adoption of advanced digital technologies, resources available to promote digital transformation, support for development, etc.).

In this regard, the Digital Agenda Observatory aims to serve as a qualified, independent, long-lasting and stable platform to foster engagement and dialogue between the Digital Innovation sector and the worlds of Politics, Government, and the Public Sector.

Observatory Research

The Digital Agenda Observatory aims to study and explore four areas of research:

1. Artificial Intelligence

This line of research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) examines how work practices in the Public Sector (PS) are evolving as a result of the gradual adoption of AI solutions. The goal is to understand the extent to which the use of these technologies is transforming processes, skills, and organizational dynamics, thereby contributing to improved efficiency, work quality, and the well-being of public sector employees.  

The research analyzes the state of the art in AI adoption globally, with a particular focus on emerging trends and the most widespread applications, seeking to understand which use cases are scalable and replicable in the Italian context and how their impact can be measured. An important part of this research focuses on the maturity level of the Italian Public Sector in using AI solutions, tracking its evolution over time and comparing it with international developments.

Particular emphasis is placed on the actual use of generative AI tools by public sector employees: in which activities it is employed, what benefits it yields in terms of efficiency gains and savings in work hours, and what skill gaps hinder its full utilization. In addition to quantitative aspects, this strand explores how the introduction of AI can improve productivity and the quality of work, reducing repetitive tasks and enabling greater focus on value-added activities

Research also examines the digital skills required for an informed use of AI and the training needs of public servants, assessing where and with what priorities artificial agents can be introduced to support administrative activities. Equally important is the investigation into the ethical dilemmas that arise during the adoption process and the strategies public authorities are using to address them.

Expected outputs include an international survey of AI solutions in collaboration with the European Commission’s JRC; a national survey with AgID; an analysis of the characteristics and impacts of AI projects in the public sector; a survey of public sector employees on the use of generative AI and digital skills; and an overview of ethical dilemmas and the management practices adopted by public administrations.

2. Processes

The line of research on Processes examines how local authorities are evolving the way they design and deliver services to citizens and businesses as a result of the ongoing digitization of administrative processes. The goal is to understand the extent to which digital transformation contributes to making public services more proactive, data-driven, and standardized, thereby improving administrative efficiency and the quality of interactions with users and businesses.

This research examines the current status of front- and back-office digitization processes in Italian cities, focusing on the integration and use of major national platforms such as PDND, ANPR, pagoPA, IO, and SEND, to assess how well they are integrated into administrative processes and to what extent they facilitate the creation of interoperable digital services.

Central to this line of research is the digital re-engineering of processes, with the aim of identifying organizational and operational models capable of improving internal efficiency, service quality, and the ability of public administrations to use data to provide more timely and personalized services. The research also explores the benefits of digitization, both in terms of simplifying internal operations and in terms of its impact on services for citizens and businesses.

Particular emphasis is placed on opportunities for streamlining and standardizing municipal processes, with a focus on repurposing solutions and best practices across agencies, and on conditions that can foster collaborative management of digital transformation processes. Equally important is the analysis of compliant digital document storage and of the main organizational resistance that may arise when implementing change.

Expected outputs include an overview of the current and target status of the digitization of processes in Italian municipalities and key life events for citizens; a mapping exercise with indicator dashboards to monitor key processes; a preliminary version of a catalog to facilitate the reuse of digital processes and services; quantification of the benefits resulting from digital re-engineering and compliant document storage; and operating guidelines to promote collaborative management and the progressive standardization of city processes.

3. Envisioning

The Envisioning track aims to identify and analyze future scenarios enabled by digital technologies, aiming to enhance the Public Sector’s ability to predict opportunities and risks associated with technological, demographic, and economic changes. The study focuses on the challenges emerging following the digitalization process launched by the PNRR, striving to understand how to leverage the digital infrastructure developed and how it can support long-term transformation

This line of research explores technological trends (e.g., automation, artificial intelligence, data analytics), demographic dynamics related to generational change, and the economic factors that will influence the evolution of the public sector in the medium to long term. The goal is to develop methodologies to prioritize these trends, assess their potential impact and likelihood of occurrence, and outline informed response strategies

Specific attention is given to the issue of the attractiveness of the public sector, particularly for the younger generations, and to improving the public sector’s ability to envision, that is, to imagine and design its own future by leveraging innovations and best practices from the GovTech landscape. In this context, research also explores the role of Integrated Activity and Organization Plans (PIAO) in defining challenging objectives and measuring their effectiveness.

Expected outputs include: an overview of technological, demographic, and economic trends relevant to the public sector; the definition of future scenarios consistent with these trends; focus groups with Generation Z to understand their perceptions and expectations regarding public sector employment; a strategic plan to enhance the attractiveness of the public sector and effectively manage the generational transition; and an analysis of the PIAOs of Italian administrations.

4. Impact

The Impact line of research analyzes the position of Italy and its territory in the digitalization process, examining the positive and negative effects of the main policies and initiatives currently underway. The goal is to understand the extent to which digital transformation contributes to the country’s economic competitiveness and social cohesion, while highlighting the risks associated with the persistence or widening of territorial and social divides.

This research examines Italy’s level of digitalization within the European context, with a particular focus on comparisons with other Member States and on the indicators defined under the European Digital Decade strategy. Within this framework, the study also analyzes the maturity of the digital agendas of Italy’s regions, with the aim of identifying territorial differences and understanding how these can be progressively reduced.

A pivotal area of this line of research is dedicated to the evolution of economic and social inequalities in Italian and European regions and their relationship with digital innovation processes. In addition to the comparative dimension, research explores the policies and strategies adopted at the national and international levels to promote equitable and inclusive digital development, balancing technological investment with economic, social, and environmental sustainability goals.

Particular emphasis is placed on the impact of the digital divide on competitiveness and social unity, as well as on the effects of the public sector innovation initiatives outlined in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan on citizens, businesses, and the economy. Equally important is the analysis of the prospects for the continuity of digitization policies in the medium term, particularly in light of a potential reduction in available resources.

Expected outputs include an international analysis of Digital Decade indicators, a dashboard to monitor available resources and expenses for the Italian Digital Agenda under the NRRP and structural funds, a comparison of digitization and inequality indicators across various European countries, and an analysis of the effects of digital transformation initiatives on the Country’s competitiveness and social cohesion.