The announcement at the Cernobbio Forum by TEHA Group alongside the unveiling of the AI Skills 4 Agents Observatory, a research platform for responsible adoption and the impact of generative and agentic AI in Italy
Milan, 5 September 2025 – In a technology-driven era marked by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and agentic AI, Microsoft announces the launch of Microsoft Elevate in Italy. This global initiative brings together Microsoft’s solutions, skills, research, and philanthropic investments to broaden access to cutting-edge technologies, equipping individuals and organizations with the training, tools and support needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy. In Italy, Microsoft Elevate is focused on helping turn today’s innovations into growth opportunities for the country by providing AI skills and in-demand credentials to more than 400,000 people in the next two years.
The announcement in Cernobbio, during the annual TEHA Group Forum, where Microsoft reinforced its partnership by presenting, in partnership with Avanade, the AI Skills 4 Agents Observatory, a permanent platform designed to map, understand, and strengthen the skills required for the spread of agentic AI—smart systems capable of proactive, autonomous action to achieve complex goals—through a strategic process of research, feedback, and guidance.
Key findings from the first edition of the observatory developed by TEHA Group in collaboration with Microsoft, include:
- AI adoption and impact on business growth – Italy is at a pivotal moment. According to the first edition of the AI Skills 4 Agents Observatory, the overall adoption rate of generative AI solutions among Italian companies—at individual, team, or organizational level—has surged by 66.1% in the past year, rising from 51% in 2023 to 84.7% in 2024. The top three benefits reported from using generative AI in business are efficiency and productivity (64%), customer support (39%), and process optimization (36%). Despite growing interest, agentic AI adoption is progressing at a slower pace compared to other forms of AI. In Italy, only 2.3% of companies report using agentic AI technologies (versus 4.2% European average), with a growth rate of +13.9% (versus +40.1% European average). These figures highlight a lower responsiveness in the Italian market, likely due to perceived technical and organizational complexity in integration. However, comprehensive AI adoption could generate an annual GDP increase of up to 17.9%—equivalent to €336 billion per year, surpassing the entire GDP of the Czech Republic (€303 billion).
- Agentic AI as a driver of productivity and growth – The report further emphasizes that agentic AI is increasingly positioned as a transformative technology with the potential to boost Italy’s competitiveness. Adoption of agentic solutions—which improve decision-making, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce low-value tasks—can be a paradigm shift, addressing Italy’s longstanding productivity challenges. The sectors expected to benefit most in terms of productivity, automation and work quality include retail, manufacturing, public administration, professional services, financial services, and ICT. Agentic AI could generate respective wealth of €346.7 billion, €304.1 billion, €257.2 billion, €176.9 billion, €93.1 billion, and €57.8 billion.
- Closing the skills gap to create strategic value – To fully seize this tremendous opportunity and generate strategic value, closing the significant skills gap is essential. The report notes that only 46% of Italians possess basic digital skills, and 67% of Italian companies report a shortage of adequate know-how for implementing AI solutions. This figure rises to 70% when it comes to agentic AI. The mismatch between demand and supply of qualified professionals risks becoming a structural barrier to the country’s competitiveness. Overcoming this challenge requires targeted investments in training, upskilling, and professional development programs, helping Italian businesses close the gap and integrate AI responsibly and sustainably.Additionally, LinkedIn’s latest research finds that nearly half of Italian workers (47%) feel they’re not fully leveraging AI’s potential in their jobs, while more than half (54%) are optimistic that AI will improve their daily task management.It’s within this context that Microsoft Elevate steps in —a global program backed by a $4 billion investment over five years in donations and technology. Microsoft’s goal is to provide in-demand AI credentials and training to 20 million people worldwide in the next two years, delivering advanced training to schools, non-profits, and both public and private organizations.
“History shows that great innovations create great opportunities. The real challenge is transition—preparing people for the AI economy through training. In this context, it’s crucial that Italy’s business landscape, largely made up of small and medium-sized enterprises, can access technology and skills to avoid new digital divides. That’s why we invest in initiatives like Microsoft Elevate, a program designed to ensure AI is accessible to everyone. Italy has everything it needs to lead in the AI economy: a unique cultural heritage, a tradition of craftsmanship and industrial excellence, and a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit. AI can be the engine for a new era of growth. By combining human ingenuity with technology, we can build a future where Italy not only adopts innovation but leads it—with vision, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit”, commented Vincenzo Esposito, CEO of Microsoft Italy.
In Italy, Microsoft Elevate builds on the momentum of last year’s AI National Skills Initiative, which has already reached over 700,000 people, including professionals, teachers, students, and public sector representatives. Microsoft Elevate in Italy is a new program focused on bringing new skills and tools to people, and help everyone benefit from an AI-powered economy. With investments in three strategic areas, Microsoft Elevate Italy wills train 400,000 people over the next two years, working with local partners and institutions to ensure our collective efforts are grounded in local needs.
Today we are announcing new partnerships across education, non-profit and organizations:
Education: Teachers are vital in preparing new generations. In partnership with Fondazione Mondo Digitale, Microsoft is launching training programs for educators, with a focus on disadvantaged areas, to integrate AI into teaching and daily work, leveraging a network of more than 30 training hubs in schools nationwide.
Non-profit sector: Non-profit organizations need innovation to maximize their social impact. Together with Fondazione Cariplo and the Digital Republic Fund, Microsoft is announcing a dedicated AI training program for the non-profit sector at two levels (“AI Enthusiast” and “AI Evangelist”), developed by Cariplo Factory. This will deliver the skills needed to apply AI in daily operations, optimize activities, and better support beneficiaries.
Workforce: To meet the growing demand for AI skills in the labor market, Microsoft is launching the AI Skills Alliance (www.aiskillsalliance.it), a coalition of organizations committed to supporting workers in transitioning to the new economy. The Alliance aims to help bridge the digital skills gap, promote responsible AI adoption, and foster positive transformation in work and life. The AI Skills Alliance will offer a three-level skills development path:
- Knowledge: A series of five webinars from October to January, covering key topics such as generative AI, security, productivity, and responsible AI use.
- Application: Hands-on learning opportunities through hackathons and workshops.
- Adoption: Priority access to the AI L.A.B. adoption program and promotion of funding opportunities for organizations aiming to develop AI solutions.
The AI Skills Alliance already includes Formaper company owned by the Milan Monza Brianza Lodi Chamber of Commerce, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, Confapi and Unimatica, Confesercenti, Anitec-Assinform and the Confindustria Medical Devices division, all offering training opportunities to members and organizations alongside Microsoft Italy and technical partners (Fast Lane, PCS Net, Lodestar, Var Group). The Lombardy Regional Department for Economic Development has also expressed support for the Alliance to help local businesses and workers transition towards the AI economy.
