Italy

Summary
Italy is the second most dependent countries in the European Union. Its digital dependence levels stay elevated and static, as the DDI value varied only between 0.76 and 0.78 in the investigation period. Whereas the near-complete reliance on foreign platforms (0.97-0.99) and patents (minimally below 1.00) matches this pattern, the trade dimensions show more dynamic developments. While Italy’s dependence on trade in ICT goods declined from 0.71 in 2010 to 0.63 in 2023, the trade in ICT services reliance first went down from 0.55 in 2010 to 0.50 in 2014, before rising up to 0.60 in 2023. The bilateral ICT goods trade relations trace this development, with dependency slightly increasing vis-a-vis the U.S. and remaining elevated with China.

Policies
Italy spanned a variety of fields with its digital policies between 2020 and 2026: The country initiated projects concerning cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity and semiconductor production. A key strategy is the “National Strategy of Cybersecurity 2022-2026”, which provided a framework to enhance national digital protection and technological autonomy. With the "Defence Strategy on Artificial Intelligence" from 2026, Italy wants to equip its armed forces with secure and cutting-edge digital technology.