Business transformation in the era of digitalisation: the Italian case

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is profoundly reshaping the global business scenario through the integration of digital, physical, and biological systems. This chapter examines how these transformations are redefining organisational models and competitive dynamics, with a particular focus on the Italian context. Drawing on 2023 ISTAT data, the study investigates the extent of digital technology adoption—specifically Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA)—across firms of different sizes. The findings reveal a pronounced digital divide between large enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), driven by persistent barriers related to costs, data quality, and digital skills. While large firms actively leverage advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and competitiveness, SMEs tend to show greater resistance, constrained by limited resources and organisational inertia. The analysis highlights the need for integrated strategies that address technological, cultural, and ethical dimensions to foster an inclusive and sustainable digital transition within the Italian business ecosystem.