Only one in four small Italian businesses uses AI every day

Only 25% of Italian micro, small and medium-sized businesses use artificial intelligence in their everyday activities. Yet about seven companies in ten think it could save time, money or work. These are the findings of an Ipsos survey for Meta of 500 Italian companies, presented in Rome on 28 October 2026.

Benefits recognised, limited use

63% of the companies surveyed consider it risky, in terms of competition, to do without AI. But recognising its importance does not mean knowing how to use it. Among micro-businesses, those with fewer than ten employees, 31% have never used AI tools. In small companies the same person often handles customers, administration and communication, and trying a new tool takes time.

Training is the key issue

45% of companies say that training specific to their sector would help them use AI more. The most immediate applications are in sales and communication: preparing promotional content, handling customer requests and answering recurring messages.

Why it matters to you

Smaller companies are the ones that struggle most to use AI, and they will need people able to use it in practical ways. Knowing how to use it well, together with knowing your trade, can make a difference when you look for a job.