1. IN YOUR OPINION, WHERE DOES ITALY CURRENTLY STAND IN TERMS OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION? AND WHAT ROLE DOES ENG PLAY IN THIS PROCESS?

Italy is making significant progress, and a positive signal is also coming from the South, with regions like Puglia, Calabria, Campania, and Sicilia innovating service delivery models and adopting integrated platforms aimed at greater administrative simplification, digitization of processes, dematerialization, and multichannel interaction with citizens and businesses.

However, to fully achieve the set goals, we must continue to work seriously on some key areas, starting with operational administrative tools and widespread adoption, meaning the uniform implementation of digital technologies across the entire country. The nation cannot advance at two different speeds, and citizens deserve public services that meet their needs.

We must overcome existing territorial disparities and the resistance to change, which risks hindering real progress.

Another crucial point is cybersecurity, to protect data, digital assets, and critical infrastructures from increasingly frequent hacker attacks.

For over 30 years, Engineering has been supporting Italian public entities in this journey, contributing to the creation of a more efficient and sustainable government system, thanks in part to our ecosystemic approach that places people at the center. Our commitment encompasses all aspects, from core processes to promoting a new digital citizenship, with constant attention to the opportunities offered by European funding.

3. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL SECURITY, TRANSPORTATION: IN YOUR OPINION, WHICH FRONTIER TECHNOLOGIES WILL HAVE THE MOST IMPACT IN THESE CRUCIAL AREAS FOR THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, AND WHY?

As mentioned earlier, Artificial Intelligence will certainly be key, but also Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and the Internet of Things (IoT). AI will play a leading role, enabling rapid data analysis to make decisions based on real information, especially in emergency management, where time is critical. This is also true for prevention, anticipating potential developments of a situation and their impacts on people and territories, and supporting military strategies and operations in maritime, land, air, space, and cyber domains. 

IoT allows us to monitor and manage public infrastructures, such as bridge safety, optimizing operations and increasing efficiency. It also helps reduce waste, such as in water resources, which is vital in many areas of Italy, especially in recent years. 

Finally, RPA reduces time and costs - critical issues for the Public Administration - improves response capabilities, minimizes human error, and enhances scalability. 

Looking at the bigger picture, a holistic strategy is essential, promoting database interoperability and adopting Cloud solutions. This is where public-private synergy becomes strategic for constant innovation efforts.

5. A MORE AGILE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT AND COLLABORATION WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR: MUCH HAS BEEN DONE, BUT THERE IS STILL A LOT TO DO. HOW CAN THESE BE STRATEGIC LEVERS FOR CREATING MODERN, CITIZEN-CENTERED SERVICES?

Encouraging collaboration between public entities and private partners is fundamental to developing innovative solutions that must be co-designed using Design Thinking and Human-Centered Design approaches.

Private entities can offer additional resources and expertise to the Public Administration, aiming to improve the quality and efficiency of public services.

There are many ideas, but the challenge is that public tenders often cover broad, general scopes, risking the undervaluation of territorial specificities. Projects should not only be evaluated for their cost but also for their long-term social, technological, and environmental impact.

Unlocking these tools can significantly boost the digitalization of the Public Administration, rewarding projects that focus on innovation and sustainability - key words of our time that must be translated into concrete actions.