A Regional Indicator to Describe Potential Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (from now on AI) is synonymous with innovation. In the laboratories of companies and universities, we start to use more innovative technologies to answer specific questions, but in Italy IA is not very widespread. As Gerhard Friedrichn, professor of computer science, dean of the Faculty of Technical Sciences of the University of Klagenfurt, one of the pioneers of research about AI in Europe, says, “artificial intelligence will not come in the coming years, but it will eventually come. There is nothing that can prevent it.” Therefore, for the purpose of a better understanding of the phenomenon to date, this study analyzes the potential use of artificial intelligence in the Italian regions through a composite index (using the methodology of Fair and Sustainable Wellness) that measures the territorial gaps and their predisposition or not to innovation which is an essential prerequisite for the dissemination of AI. For this purpose, the present contribution unfolds with the following structure: description of the theoretical reference framework and of the indicators used concerning economic well-being, training, research and development and business innovation;description of the methodology for the construction of the composite indicator to measure the potential regional artificial intelligence;description of the results, also through a geo-referenced map of the regions potentially prone to the use of artificial intelligence;conclusions.