AI: From Media Sensation to Partner in SME Development
According to a report by the Digital Innovation Observatory at the Politecnico di Milano, 58% of SMEs are interested in AI, thanks to media attention and the development of a market for ready-to-use tools; however, only 7% of small businesses and 15% of medium-sized businesses have launched AI projects. This reflects a gap between awareness and practical implementation, primarily due to structural barriers such as the perceived high costs of software, a lack of internal expertise, and cultural resistance.
To help bridge this gap by focusing on training, reducing barriers to entry, and raising awareness among management, AI for Business was launched, promoted by the Cariverona Foundation, to support local businesses in adopting artificial intelligence.
It is possible to build more innovative and attractive companies that are capable of leveraging their human capital through the thoughtful use of AI. Thanks to this initiative, five local companies—Evotec, Logistica Uno, Corà, Metalba, and Zordan—have tested and implemented generative AI in their business processes, placing a cross-departmental team of employees under 35 at the center of the effort.
Investing in talent to drive the digital transition and boost appeal
The project guided the companies through a combination of specialized training and hands-on experimentation. Between November 2025 and January 2026, the teams completed Python coding modules and intensive workshops to develop functional prototypes. This approach made it possible to identify strategic areas for intervention and create tailored solutions: from knowledge management systems for the pharmaceutical industry, to AI-driven emailing tools for commerce, and intelligent platforms for workload monitoring.
AI as a catalyst for human skills and strategic vision
Today, generative artificial intelligence makes it possible to manage the complexity of business data, transforming static archives into instantly accessible resources, reducing manual and repetitive tasks, enabling personalization, and minimizing error rates in administrative processes. The project demonstrates that AI is not a “technological shortcut,” but a tool that gains value only when integrated with human responsibility and intelligence. In an increasingly competitive market, the ability to scale these models across departments represents the true challenge in generating shared and lasting value. The end result is a more fluid organization, where human skills are valued and supported by technology that speaks the language of the production environment.
Initiatives such as AI for Business highlight companies that invest in the development of their talent and in intergenerational dialogue, fostering new forms of collaboration between business, education, and the local community.
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Notes
AI for Business is a project made possible with the support of Fondazione Cariverona, a philanthropic organization dedicated to promoting the social, cultural, and economic development of the regions of Verona, Vicenza, Belluno, Ancona, and Mantua. With a forward-looking vision, the Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that can generate a positive and lasting impact on the community.