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How is the business done at the era of AI?

Sopra Steria Next Italy took the stage at the "AI Transition" event organised by Il Sole 24 Ore on 13 and 14 November 2024 in Milan

The event “AI Transition” involved experts, business and institutional leaders in a discussion on the challenges and opportunities of the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Italy and Europe. As a sponsor, Sopra Steria actively contributed to the discussion tables thanks to the participation of Stefania POMPILI, CEO Sopra Steria Group Italy, Mariangela ZILLER, Director Digital & Experience, Sopra Steria Next and Mauro PALMARINI, CEO of Sopra Steria Next Italy.



After an introduction by Giuliano NOCI, Deputy Director of the Politecnico di Milano, to open the "AI Transition" event, the rest of the event was divided into several parts, each with a specific topic on the theme of AI:

#1 - The importance of data: Europe and the global challenge 
During the first day, Stefania POMPILI, CEO of Sopra Steria Group Italy, took part in the round table "The decisive transition for the European Union between the need of governance and the competition with the United States and China" recalling the importance of skills and data quality as fundamental elements to fully exploit the potential of AI and promoting the AI Pact, an initiative aimed at simplifying and standardizing AI regulation in Europe.
In fact, the challenge of data is fundamental: in this scenario, it is crucial that data are also collected at European level to allow a unified and shared vision, encouraging the development of innovative solutions that meet the needs of the global market. Coordinated collection also ensures greater interoperability, enhancing Europe's competitiveness facing United States and China, and effectively addresses challenges related to governance and digital sovereignty.

#2 - AI as a Driver of Transformation: A Strategic Reflection
The potential expressed today by AI is just the beginning of what we will see in the years to come. Thus, Stefania POMPILI asks: "What use do we want to make of generative AI to simplify our lives and redirect what we do to higher value-added productions? This is the question that needs to be answered. With the Metaverse, internet access will change more and more, thanks to wearable objects, and AI becomes the main enabler of change."

Together with Stefania POMPILI, Giuseppe SANTONATO, AI Leader at EY EMEIA and AI Transformation Leader at EY Italy, illustrated how the United States and China adopt distinct approaches to AI-related innovation: a business-driven model for the US and a consumer-driven one for China. Giuseppe SANTONATO also suggested that Europe should focus on specialization verticals, creating an inclusive innovation ecosystem to ensure growth and competitiveness.


#3 - Innovation and value in the digital ecosystem
The second day of "AI Transition" was inaugurated by Mauro PALMARINI and Mariangela ZILLER of Sopra Steria Next, who opened the day with the session "How the way of doing business changes: the value chain and skills – The impact on innovation processes".

In this scenario, the strategy of Sopra Steria Next is based on four pillars that guide the development of effective and relevant solutions for the current context:
- Integration between business and tech
- Human-centered approach
- 360° value with a focus on sustainability
- AI & data-driven solutions

As told by Mauro PALMARINI, then, Sopra Steria Next has outlined four fundamental archetypes for successful AI projects, archetypes explored in the study "Navigating the AI Era" which focuses precisely on the state of the art and the expected future evolutions of the AI market. Specifically, in the study carried out by Sopra Steria Next, we talk about AI for Machines, AI for Processes, AI for Humans and AI for Software.

The latter archetype, in particular, represents a promising opportunity for the Italian market, where structured data management plays a key role in maximizing the value of AI.

#4 - A company-friendly innovation
Mariangela ZILLER also emphasizes the need for training and development of in-house skills in order to be able to adopt AI effectively. A tailor-made approach for each organization is also essential. For this reason, Sopra Steria Next proposes a prioritization method based on the functional maturity of companies with:
- 75% of investments allocated to mature use cases;
- an optimal balance between Predictive AI and Generative AI.

Mariangela ZILLER then reiterated the value of an inclusive approach that involves young talents and internal ambassadors, building interdisciplinary teams within an AI Factory to support a concrete and sustainable digital transformation.

#5 - AI as a driver of change for Italy and Europe
This first edition of "AI Transition" has, therefore, highlighted how artificial intelligence is not only a technological opportunity, but a strategic necessity for companies and institutions.

What emerged from the speeches of the two days is the need for structured governance to support the adoption of AI, investments in training to prepare the new generations for a digital future and a harmonized regulatory ecosystem to promote innovation and competitiveness.

Only in this way can Italy prepare to become a protagonist of the digital transition, transforming challenges into opportunities to create a more innovative, inclusive and sustainable future.

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