What impact have the innovations of the last twenty years had on the Italian economy and society? The majority of Italians are confident (57,9%) declaring, however, that the transformations underway have generated positive effects, albeit connected to the onset of some problems.
Thus the 2017 Agi-Censis report on the culture of innovation, which will be presented in the morning in the Chamber in the presence of the president Laura Boldrini, photographs the Italians' desire for the future, focusing attention on the willingness to adhere to new schemes. There will also be the general secretary of Censis George DeRita and the director of Agi Riccardo Luna during "#InnovazioneItalia: stories, ideas and people who change the world” promoted by the news agency. Here are some research results in advance.
Innovation and social
For 51,4% of Italians, the innovation processes have produced new social gaps, while 47,8% are convinced that it has contributed to reducing them. Above all to fear the lower social classes (66,7%).
Innovation and work
And what impact will they have on job opportunities? 37,8% of Italians are convinced that ever more advanced and pervasive automation processes will determine a negative balance of jobs. While 33,5% believe that they will generate new opportunities in a still unexplored scenario of new jobs. And 28,5% believe that the type of work will change more. The most worried, also in this case, are Italians with a lower socio-economic level and education.
Digital PA
Almost 1 out of 3 citizens (30,1%) among those who have had access to digital services, is convinced that they have not obtained any substantial advantage compared to the services provided through traditional channels (30,7% underline the advantages associated with a greater "convenience" of access). In general, Italians are in favor of the digitization of the PA, but they expect this to correspond above all to a simplification of procedures (29,1%) and a speeding up of processes (25,5% of replies).
Web tax and tax on robots
Over half of Italians (55%) believe it is appropriate to introduce a law to tax the profits generated in Italy by the largest on the web, but it is a non-uniform consensus in all age groups (among the youngest the share is lower) . 42,1% of Italians think that robots steal jobs and don't pay taxes and this will eventually impoverish us.
Sharing economy
Disintermediate digitization: for over 70% of the population, the sharing economy in its various fields of application (tourism, mobility, housing, etc.) is an interesting solution that allows you to save money in accessing some services. Faced with the prospect of joining these opportunities to supplement the family income or to start a business, the percentage drops to 55,2% and 52,5% respectively.
Innovation and energy
From innovation come the most important answers to face the challenge of sustainability and progressive decarbonisation. Among the infrastructures most appreciated by Italians are photovoltaic parks (82,4%) and wind farms (73,3%). Among the unwelcome plants, oil refineries are in first place (77%) and coal-fired power plants in second place (76,5%). Finally, 65,6% of Italians are convinced that we will all somehow become energy producers in one scenario no-grid (or smart-grid), where the production of electricity – and not just consumption – will become a collective fact.
Security, freedom: the role of digital
Concerns about petty crime and the threat of terrorism are swinging the pendulum between freedom and security towards the latter. Therefore, digital technologies that guarantee greater control are welcome for Italians, even if they could take away something from privacy and freedom of movement. Only 15,4% of Italians fear a possible reduction of freedom.
The excellence of Italian innovation - the Innovation Awards Prize
In this scenario there are companies, public bodies, universities and designers who are seizing the opportunities offered by innovation, showing all the vitality and competitiveness of our country. To these "Cchampions” of innovation is dedicated on Award of Prizes 2017, established by the Italian Government in 2008, organized by the Cotec Foundation (honorary president the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella) as recognition for the strong impetus and contribution to the rebirth of our country. Like the previous ones, the ninth edition of the Award also bears witness to the vitality of the Italian entrepreneurial fabric, possessing advanced knowledge and full of elements of creativity: from the evolution of design in the medical sector to new technologies applied to polymers, from new intelligent mobility to the new tourist platforms integrated by vehicles with coordinated modules to the parent-child chats of the new multi-channel banking offers. This year, 34 innovation excellences will be awarded.
One of these is TIM: in particular, the TIM #WCap project was awarded, which through its four accelerators identifies and supports digital solutions developed by start-ups and SMEs, promoting synergies with the main players in the innovation ecosystem.
"This award is an important acknowledgment of TIM's commitment to driving digital innovation in Italy", commented Mario di Mauro, TIM's Strategy Director, as he collected the award. “Since 2009, TIM#WCap has collected over 9000 projects, supported more than 300 start-ups which have been provided with training, mentorships, spaces, as well as economic support through grant. Furthermore, with TIM Ventures, we invest in the capital of the most promising realities and with strong synergies with the corporate business strategy with a view to supporting start-ups even in the development phase.”
