Microsoft Elevate Italy: AI training for the country's growth

Italy is at a crucial crossroads in its digital transformation journey, with Artificial Intelligence emerging as the primary driver of growth and innovation. Against this backdrop, Microsoft Italy is launching Microsoft Elevate, a global initiative aimed at closing the skills gap and strengthening the country's competitiveness . The announcement, made at the TEHA Group Forum in Cernobbio, coincides with the presentation of the AI ​​Skills 4 Agents Observatory , a platform dedicated to analyzing the adoption of agentic AI in Italy.

The Observatory, created by TEHA Group in collaboration with Microsoft and Avanade, paints a picture of light and shadow. While the adoption of generative AI among Italian companies has increased significantly, from 51% in 2023 to 84.7% in 2024, the adoption of agentic AI, or systems capable of operating autonomously to achieve complex objectives, is progressing at a slower pace. Only 2.3% of Italian companies report using these technologies, compared to a European average of 4.2% .

Despite the caution, the growth potential is immense. According to the report's estimates, widespread adoption of AI could generate an annual increase in national GDP of up to 17.9%, equivalent to €336 billion. Agentic AI, in particular, is identified as a strategic lever for increasing productivity , which has always been one of the structural weaknesses of the Italian system. The sectors that could benefit most are commerce, manufacturing, public administration, and professional services.

However, the real obstacle remains the skills gap. The Observatory reveals that only 46% of Italians possess basic digital skills, and a full 67% of Italian companies complain of a lack of know-how for implementing AI solutions . This figure rises to 70% if the focus is narrowed to the use of AI agents. Confirming this disconnect, a LinkedIn survey shows that almost half of Italian workers (47%) feel they are not fully exploiting the potential of AI in their work.

It is in this context that Microsoft Elevate fits in, a global program involving an investment of $4 billion over five years . The initiative aims to train 20 million people worldwide within the next two years, and specifically in Italy, the goal is to train 400,000 people. " History teaches us that great innovations generate great opportunities. The real challenge is the transition, preparing those who work for the AI ​​economy through training ," said Vincenzo Esposito, CEO of Microsoft Italy . " Italy has all it takes to be a leader in the AI ​​economy: a unique cultural heritage, a tradition of artisanal and industrial excellence, and a dynamic entrepreneurial fabric. AI can become the engine of a new era of growth. "

To achieve the national goal, Microsoft Elevate is focusing on three strategic areas: Education, the Third Sector, and the Workforce. In collaboration with partners such as Fondazione Mondo Digitale, Fondazione Cariplo, and Fondo per la Repubblica Digitale, specific training programs will be launched.

On the workforce front, Microsoft is launching the AI ​​Skills Alliance ( www.aiskillsalliance.it ), an alliance of organizations united to support workers in the transition to the new economy. The Alliance will offer a three-level skilling program: knowledge, use, and adoption , with the support of key partners such as Formaper, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, Confapi, Unimatica, Confesercenti, Anitec-Assinform, and Confindustria Apparecchi Medici. The Lombardy Region's Department of Economic Development has also expressed its support, recognizing the initiative's importance to the local manufacturing sector.