Companies

SMEs, the digital race lacks funds and skills

A structured technology strategy must be integrated into the business strategy perimeter. And enhance sustainable infrastructure investments

by Camilla Curcio

20 November 2025

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

The obstacles
Synergy between large enterprises and SMEs

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

In a market constantly stimulated by innovation and technology, Italian small and medium-sized enterprises are unable to keep up the pace and the digital transformation continues to proceed slowly.

It is not alarmism but a fact, easily verifiable in reality (and in the numbers): "All the indicators converge in demonstrating, black on white, a certain backwardness of SMEs in terms of digitalisation," explains Lorenzo Tavazzi, senior partner and head of the scenarios and intelligence area of The European House Ambrosetti. "On the one hand, there is a marked size gap compared to large companies. On the other hand, in comparison with European entrepreneurial realities, the delay is even more evident: according to Eurostat's Digital intensity index, in fact, in Italy only one SME out of five boasts a high level of digitalisation'.

What is lacking, in short, is not the basic digital solutions butthe integration of a structured technology strategy within the business strategy. "During the Covid period, the business system in general and, specifically, that of SMEs made small steps forward, also thanks to significant investments," adds Tavazzi. "Yet this is not enough, because resources are often not used to their full potential. And this means that they do not return the expected result'.

The obstacles

In such a vast scenario - where there are also virtuous exceptions - the obstacles preventing a smooth approach to the digital transition are not few. "First of all, the structural variable weighs heavily: the initiation of investments of time and resources inevitably clashes with the (limited) availability of time and resources," Tavazzi explains. Small companies, therefore, start at a disadvantage because they are handicapped by a reduced base of both personnel and liquidity.

"Secondly, and this is a critical issue that not only affects SMEs but the entire entrepreneurial fabric, there is the issue of skills," he continues. "Italy is far behind and we have one of the least educated workforces in terms of digital skills. This is why companies struggle to find profiles suitable for areas such as cybersecurity both in house and on the market'.

The lack of homogeneity of the digital infrastructure and the connectivity problems that affect, above all, mountain and inland areas where, without a broadband connection, the cloud becomes utopia: "The Pnrr funds have given a boost," adds Tavazzi, "but sustainable infrastructure investments must be accelerated to avoid productive desertification and the abandonment of territories.

Synergy between large companies and SMEs

Unravelling this plot is not easy but putting effective solutions on the table is not impossible. Leveraging, for example, not only the public ecosystem but also models such as the partnership big/small. "A synergy with large companies that, by providing SMEs with knowledge, investment capabilities and advanced tools, become partners in the digitisation process. Shortening time and implementing productivity and competitiveness'.