Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector: The Perspective of Italian Administrations, Between Digital Sovereignty and Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

The paper examines the adoption of artificial intelligence in Italian public administrations through a qualitative and quantitative study conducted between February 2025 and April 2026, involving 21 administrations – including central government bodies, regions, independent authorities and agencies – via questionnaires and focus groups. The analysis presents the research findings, organizing them by thematic area and, in particular, referring to use cases, procurement strategies, data management, internal governance and the environmental impact of AI. Based on the diverse picture that has emerged – which highlights a clear distinction between ‘pioneering’ administrations and bodies still in the exploratory phase, as well as unresolved tensions between digital sovereignty, regulatory compliance and sustainability – the study concludes with operational recommendations for Italian public administrations.