Assessing the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Public Organizations. Evidence from Italy

The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Italian public organizations may serve as a cornerstone to realize the vision of the Great Reset, promoting more effective and inclusive governance that addresses the challenges of the twenty-first century. However, to maximize benefits and mitigate risks, it is essential to adopt a balanced approach that considers both the opportunities and threats associated with this technological innovation. Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively evaluate the use of AI tools within Italian public organizations, exploring current practices, obstacles, and catalysts to their adoption. A self-administered survey was conducted among Italian public sector employees (n = 125) to assess AI adoption, alongside variables such as perceptions towards AI, confidence, and roles in decision-making. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis based on cross-sectional data were employed to provide insights into employee attitudes and behaviors towards AI.