Craftsmen like AI. One in three uses it for the company

Artificial intelligence is increasingly entering the production processes from the small businesses. According to a survey by Cnail 35,6% of the associated companies today uses at least one technology based onIAa share almost seven times higher than the 5,2% recorded approximately 18 months ago and significantly higher than 6,9% detected byIstat in 2024 among Italian companies with 10-49 employees.

The data, released by Cna Padua and Rovigohighlight a rapid acceleration inadoption of the tools artificial intelligence even in the fabric artisan and of small businesses. Among the companies that already use these technologies, the 19,2% claims to use more than one AI tool, a sign that in many cases its use goes beyond the most popular applications of generative artificial intelligence e chatbot.

Diffusion and delays in adoption

The diffusion could also continue in the coming months. An additional one 15,4% of the companies interviewed state that they are evaluating the introduction of solutions artificial intelligenceallowing us to glimpse a further expansion of the user base. Alongside the growth, however, there is also a delay still significant. The 49% of companies declare that they have not started any process of adopting theIA. The main barrier is the difficulty of understanding the concrete applications of these technologies, indicated by 36% of businesses. Added to this is the shortage of internal skillsreported by approximately two out of five companies. However, the survey shows a growing demand for support e training.

Training and initiatives for businesses

Il 70,5% of small businesses would willingly participate in training initiatives dedicated toartificial intelligencewhile at least one company in two declares itself interested in agreements for the purchase of software and specialized services, a personalized consultations and tools for accessing financial benefits. To respond to this need Cna Padua and Rovigo has launched a training and information program aimed at local businesses.

Workshops and expected benefits

After the appointments of May 26th and 28th dedicated to use cases ofGenerative AIil June 9th is scheduled forInnovaHub of Padua a practical laboratory aimed at a maximum of 15 associated companies to experiment with applications ofartificial intelligence in the production, planning and management fields. A second workshop is planned on June 15th and will be dedicated to the use ofIA in activities administrative, organizational and in the management of orders. According to the president of Cna Padua and Rovigo, by Luca Montagnithe growth of interest inartificial intelligence reflects the ability of the artisan system to adapt to technological innovations. Among the main benefits expected by businesses are: time savingindicated by81% of the interviewees, the elimination of repetitive activities (35%), the increase in competitiveness (26,1%) and the improvement ofproduct and process innovation (23,7%).