AI & Digital Transformation Observatory

DIMPACT AI & Digital Transformation Observatory

Measuring how organizations adopt, govern and create value from Artificial Intelligence

The DIMPACT AI & Digital Transformation Observatory is a national research initiative developed by the DIMPACT Research Centre at the University of Bologna.

The Observatory generates evidence on how organizations are adopting Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies, helping businesses, policymakers and technology providers understand organizational readiness, adoption patterns and future technological needs.

Designed for implementation across Italy, the Observatory has a long-term ambition to evolve into a European benchmarking platform.

 

Why a National Observatory?

Artificial Intelligence is transforming every industry, yet organizations often lack reliable evidence to guide strategic decisions.

The Observatory provides a common scientific framework to:

  • measure AI readiness and digital maturity;
  • monitor AI adoption across sectors and territories;
  • identify capability gaps and investment priorities;
  • anticipate future technology and infrastructure needs;
  • support evidence-based managerial and policy decisions.

 

Our Mission

The Observatory aims to:

  • Measure AI readiness and organizational capabilities.
  • Monitor digital transformation over time.
  • Benchmark organizations across sectors and territories.
  • Support better managerial and policy decisions.
  • Build a national evidence base that can later be extended across Europe.

 

The Observatory's Three Instruments

AI-Enhanced Digital Maturity Index (AEDMI)

Measures an organization's capability to create value from Artificial Intelligence by assessing strategic leadership, digital infrastructure, AI adoption, organizational capabilities, governance and business value realization. It provides a comprehensive picture of AI-enhanced digital maturity.

AI Adoption and Organizational Transformation ((AI-OTI))

Examines how organizations are adopting and using AI in practice. It analyses technologies, business applications, organizational change, investment priorities, adoption barriers and the impact of AI on performance and competitiveness.

AI & Digital Technology Radar (AI-DTR)

Identifies emerging technologies and future investment priorities. The Radar monitors technology adoption, implementation intentions, infrastructure requirements and future market demand, supporting both strategic planning and technology-market intelligence.

 

Why Participate?

For Businesses

  • Benchmark your organization against peers.
  • Identify capability gaps and AI opportunities.
  • Support strategic investment decisions.
  • Accelerate AI-enabled transformation.

 

For Policymakers

  • Monitor AI adoption across industries and territories.
  • Identify barriers and capability gaps.
  • Support evidence-based industrial and innovation policies.

 

For Technology Providers

  • Understand future technology demand.
  • Identify market opportunities and adoption trends.
  • Support product development and strategic partnerships.

 

For Researchers and Universities

  • Access scientifically validated instruments.
  • Develop collaborative national and international research.
  • Contribute to the advancement of knowledge on AI-enabled transformation.

 

Collaboration Opportunities

The Observatory welcomes collaborations with businesses, public institutions, industry associations, technology providers and universities through:

  • national and sectoral surveys;
  • benchmarking programmes;
  • contract research;
  • policy studies;
  • technology-demand analyses;
  • European research initiatives.

 

Resources

The Observatory is supported by the DIMPACT AI Observatory Series, including:

  • Strategic and Methodological Report No. 1: The AI-Enhanced Digital Maturity Index (AEDMI): A Methodological Framework for the DIMPACT AI & Digital Transformation Observatory.
  • Technical Report No. 1:  The AI-Enhanced Digital Maturity Index (AEDMI): Technical Manual.
  • Strategic and Methodological Report No. 2: The AI Organizational Transformation Index (AI-OTI): A Methodological Framework for the DIMPACT AI & Digital Transformation Observatory.
  • Technical Report No. 2: The AI Organizational Transformation Index (AI-OTI): Technical Manual.
  • Strategic and Methodological Report No. 3: The AI & Digital Technology Radar (AI-DTR): A Methodological Framework for the DIMPACT AI & Digital Transformation Observatory.
  • Technical Report No. 3: The AI & Digital Technology Radar (AI-DTR): Technical Manual.

 

From National Benchmarking to European Impact

The Observatory is designed as a permanent national infrastructure for measuring AI-enabled organizational transformation. By combining rigorous scientific methods with practical relevance, it aims to become a leading European reference point for understanding how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping organizations, industries and economies.