Autore: Rizzi, Gian Maria
Titolo: Vent’anni di stagnazione economica e mancata crescita. Come uscire dal circolo vizioso che frena le PMI italiane?
Periodico: Quaderni di ricerca sull'artigianato
Anno: 2024 - Volume: 96 - Fascicolo: 2 - Pagina iniziale: 169 - Pagina finale: 192

Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are at a crossroads: continue with traditional models or embrace innovative practices to remain competitive globally. SMEs, which account for over 97% of Italian businesses and employ about 70% of the workforce, are struggling, with productivity declining by 5.8% between 2008 and 2021, according to ISTAT. In contrast, large enterprises saw a 5.5% increase in the same period. This issue is particularly severe in Southern Italy, where small companies and low-tech sectors dominate. One of the main reasons behind this decline is the low propensity for innovation and the adoption of advanced technologies. The OECD ranks Italy 23rd out of 36 member countries for SME innovation, and only 13% of Italian SMEs use advanced digital technologies, compared to the EU average of 17%. Moreover, only 6% of Italian businesses, despite having access to high-speed internet, use artificial intelligence technologies. This lag is partly due to a lack of digital skills: Italy ranks 29th out of 141 countries for workforce digital skills, and only 44% of Italians have basic digital skills, compared to the OECD average of 54%. In addition to the skills gap, bureaucracy and difficulties in accessing credit hinder innovation. Italy ranks 58th out of 190 countries in the World Bank,s 2020 «Doing Business» report, with specific challenges in starting new businesses, obtaining construction permits, and accessing finance. Another issue is the low level of internationalization: only 34% of Italian SMEs export, compared to 48% of German SMEs. In a context of economic uncertainty and recent crises, the structural limitations of Italian SMEs are becoming increasingly apparent, putting the resilience of the Italian economic system at risk. To remain competitive, SMEs must adopt technological innovations, improve digital skills, and foster a cultural shift towards innovation. The ultimate goal is to transform Italian businesses into more efficient, innovative entities capable of sustainable growth.




SICI: 1590-296X(2024)96:2<169:VDSEEM>2.0.ZU;2-8
Testo completo: https://www.rivisteweb.it/download/article/10.12830/115163
Testo completo alternativo: https://www.rivisteweb.it/doi/10.12830/115163

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