AI could bring 50 billion euro benefit to Italian companies, Accenture study shows

ROME (Reuters) - Italian companies could increase the added value they create by about 50 billion euros ($54.30 billion) by 2030 with the generalised use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to a study by Accenture published on Wednesday.

The research was presented at an annual meeting in Rome of the Leonardo Committee, a business group promoting "Made in Italy". The group is unrelated to the Leonardo defence and aerospace group.

Another 30 billion euros ($32.47 billion) in extra added value could come from strengthening the "Made in Italy" brand on international markets, including for industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and mechatronics, Leonardo Committee said in a statement.

The study also said the wider use of AI and the promotion of the "Made in Italy" brand could create around 300,000 new jobs in affected industries, compared to a baseline scenario to 2030.

AI technology is a key concern for businesses and policymakers. Italy has made it one of the priorities of its presidency of the Group of Seven wealthy nations, and last month its government adopted a bill to regulate its use.

The bill, which is up for discussion by parliament, foresees an initial investment of up to 1 billion euros in AI projects and startups, backed by state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP).

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(Reporting by Matteo Negri, editing by Alvise Armellini and Tomasz Janowski)