One hundred million euros over the next three years to assist the digital transformation of SMEs: this is the effort of the Italian Chambers of Commerce, which has long been committed to supporting the transition of our country's companies to the 4.0 economy.
To announce the approval of the new three-year plan by the Ministry of Economic Development was the President of Unioncamere, Carlo Sangalli, opening the proceedings of the assembly of Presidents of the Chambers of Commerce in the presence, among others, of the Minister Stephen Patuanelli.
“Over the past three years we have committed ourselves above all to digitization and the Business Plan 4.0 – underlined Sangalli -. We have involved over 70 thousand companies helping them in this transition path. We are now thinking of investing another 100 million in the next 3 years in this program which joins the lines of support for companies for internationalization, support for territories for tourism and help for young people in career guidance. This new and important commitment strengthens the role of the Chambers of Commerce and I think it represents an investment with a high profitability for the business system”.
Already 70 thousand business at digital school by the Pids of the Chambers of Commerce
I am already more than 70 thousand entrepreneurs who have used the services of Pid (Digital Enterprise Points), created by the Chambers of Commerce to support companies in the digitization process. Over 47 attended courses and thematic (in)training events organized by the PIDs present throughout Italy; 14 thousand companies measured their digital maturity with the self-assessment test SELFI4.0, available on the site; around 2.000 entrepreneurs have carried out an in-depth assessment conducted by the Digital Promoters within the network; over 10.000 companies had access to the almost 60 million euros allocated through vouchers by the PIDs to purchase 4.0 consultancy and training services.
The photograph taken in October through the SELFI4.0 test on digital maturity of our companies shows that less than half of the SMEs have already made the big leap towards the 4.0 economy: 32% are Specialists with a large part of process digitization; 7% are Experts as they successfully apply the principles of Enterprise 4.0; only 3% are champions with good digitization of processes and use of 4.0 technologies.
58%, on the contrary, is still in the initial phase of the digital experience: 9% are Newcomers, because it is linked to a traditional management of information and processes; 49% are apprentices, i.e. use "basic" digital tools. In the next three years, the PIDs will also have new and more mission. Among these, support for the use of Enterprise 4.0 technologies to encourage approaches oriented towards sustainability and innovation and support for the growth of professional skills.
The digital business points will help companies develop new or more efficient organizational systems to reduce all forms of waste as much as possible (of materials, energy resources, transport and production times) and will support SMEs in the design and creation of new products o more sustainable services in terms of environmental impact.
In terms of skills, special attention will be paid to personnel employed in SMEs. In fact, the PIDs will make assessment services available for workers, managers and employees to "measure" digital skills. The goal is to create targeted redevelopment paths (re-skilling) and updating (up-skilling) of the company's human resources, enhancing the digital skills oriented towards the "green" economy in the professions. The links of companies with higher technical institutes (Its) and with universities (with particular reference to scientific-technological STEM degrees) will also be favoured.
The numbers of the Chambers of Commerce
In addition to their commitment to the digitization of SMEs, the Chambers of Commerce have also invested their resources and energies in other lines of action in recent years: career guidance for young people, the enhancement of cultural heritage and tourism and internationalisation.
Between 2017 and 2018, the Chambers realized 80.000 orientation initiatives to help young people identify the most suitable study and work path for their abilities but which also offers greater employment opportunities.
Furthermore, the chamber system has contributed to the creation of more than 4mila paths of alternation, which involved 2.700 ieducational establishments, 76mila boys and 12.000 businesses. Sustainability and innovation are the underlying themes of 220 initiatives to promote the tourist heritage of our country promoted in recent years by the Chambers of commerce. Among these, participation in the creation of major events, the network of UNESCO sites and the Ospitalità Italiana brand, which rewards the quality of thousands of companies in Italy and over 2000 restaurants abroad.
On the internationalization front, the chamber system is working to ensure that an ever-increasing number of companies manages to land on foreign markets. To this end, the Chambers will assist 10.000 SMEs with "door to door" programs, in connection with the Italian Chambers of Commerce abroad.
