The big data market in Italy is growing, reaching €4.1 billion, up 20%.

The big data market in Italy continues to grow, surpassing the €4 billion mark, up 20%. However, few companies are ready to exploit the benefits of artificial intelligence "due to inadequate data architectures or a lack of clear data and process governance." These are some of the findings of a study by the Big Data & Business Analytics Observatory at the Polytechnic University of Milan.

Specifically, a quarter of the sector's market goes to infrastructure and generative AI solutions, with services (+27%), banking (+22%), insurance, and manufacturing (+21%) growing at the fastest rates, while public administration is growing at a slower rate (+17%). Furthermore, only 38% of large companies have defined a data exploitation strategy, barely one in five has appointed a chief data officer, and over a quarter of large companies have yet to launch an advanced analytics project.

By 2025, 89% of Italian small and medium-sized businesses will be performing data analysis activities, a 10% increase over 2024. "This significant growth, but in many cases, reflects occasional practices implemented using spreadsheets, without dedicated personnel," the research emphasizes. While 87% of large companies have built a data platform, few are able to fully manage the entire data lifecycle, which is "crucial for generating value through AI."

"Today, data and artificial intelligence can no longer operate on separate tracks in organizations," says Carlo Vercellis, Scientific Director of the Big Data & Business Analytics Observatory. "They must be integrated synergistically. Without these elements, the potential value of AI risks remaining untapped or even creating new risks for companies."