Analysis by Mariagrazia Lupo Albore, Director General of Unimpresa and author of the article published on Unimpresa.it
The twin transition of Italian companies
Italian companies are currently facing a profound transformation. More and more businesses report investing simultaneously in digital technologies and sustainability, two pillars that increasingly define long-term competitiveness.
According to the analysis presented by Mariagrazia Lupo Albore, Director General of Unimpresa and author of the article published on Unimpresa.it, 78% of companies say they are investing in both areas.
At first glance, this could suggest that the transition is already mature. However, the reality is more complex. Investing in both digital innovation and environmental responsibility does not necessarily mean integrating them effectively.
The real challenge, as explained by Mariagrazia Lupo Albore, is ensuring that these two transformations become part of the same strategic vision.
Digital technology as a tool for sustainability
In most companies today, digital technologies are mainly used to support sustainability initiatives.
The analysis cited by Mariagrazia Lupo Albore indicates that 64% of businesses use digital tools to measure environmental impact, monitor energy consumption, reduce waste and improve operational efficiency.
Technologies such as sensors, data analytics platforms and automation systems enable companies to better understand and control their environmental footprint. Through digital transformation, sustainability goals become more measurable and manageable.
However, as highlighted by Mariagrazia Lupo Albore in her article published on Unimpresa.it, this approach remains incomplete. Technology often enters the organization as a technical tool rather than as part of a broader strategic transformation.
When sustainability guides technological choices
The reverse dynamic is far less common.
Only 42% of companies allow sustainability goals to guide their technological investments.
This difference is significant. When sustainability drives strategy, companies rethink their entire business model: production processes, supply chains, product design and market positioning.
In this scenario, digital innovation becomes a strategic instrument rather than a simple operational upgrade.
As emphasized by Mariagrazia Lupo Albore, this integration between digital transformation and sustainability can create stronger and more resilient competitive advantages.
The organizational gap
Another critical element concerns internal governance.
According to the data highlighted by Mariagrazia Lupo Albore, only 6% of companies have a dedicated role responsible for managing both digital transformation and sustainability in an integrated way.
This reveals a structural weakness within many organizations. In most cases, digital innovation and ESG policies are managed by separate departments, often without a shared strategic framework.
Without coordinated leadership, investments risk becoming fragmented rather than transformative.
Europe and the regulatory imbalance
The European regulatory environment also reflects this imbalance.
During 2025, initiatives related to digital regulation increased significantly, while some simplifications occurred on the ESG side.
According to Mariagrazia Lupo Albore, this trend can be interpreted in two ways. On the one hand, reducing regulatory complexity can support businesses. On the other, there is a risk that the simplification may weaken the momentum toward integrating sustainability into corporate strategies.
The European challenge therefore remains balancing innovation with responsibility.
Consumers are changing faster than companies
Another important signal comes from consumers.
According to the analysis discussed by Mariagrazia Lupo Albore, two out of three online consumers have already changed their purchasing habits to reduce environmental impact.
Customers are increasingly paying attention to transparency, sustainability, supply chains and environmental responsibility. In this context, digital technologies become essential for providing traceability, information and transparency.
Integrating technology and responsibility
The central message of the analysis by Mariagrazia Lupo Albore, published on Unimpresa.it, is clear.
Digital transformation and sustainability are not separate aspects of modernization. They are two perspectives of the same transformation.
When separated, innovation risks becoming directionless and sustainability risks becoming merely symbolic. When integrated, however, companies can develop stronger, more competitive and more sustainable business models.
Italian businesses have already started moving along both paths. The real challenge now is ensuring that those paths converge.
This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)