The national industrial sector is being called upon to address the ambitious decarbonization goals set out in the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) and the Green Deal. It is a challenge, but also an opportunity, for a significant paradigm shift from the past, capable of capitalizing on the opportunities of technological innovation and digitization, and promoting an approach aimed at generating economic development, sustainability, and social inclusion.
In this context, RSE has analyzed the impact that digitization has had in recent years and may have in the future with respect to the targets set for progressive decarbonization. The study’s objective is to assess the current level of digitization of Italian manufacturing companies thanks to the contributions of the main stakeholders (such as technology providers, service companies, and companies themselves), bringing out the major benefits and difficulties encountered.
To this end, the study first analyzes the savings potentials for decarbonization targets achievable thanks to white certificates, a pivotal mechanism in Italy for energy efficiency in the industrial sector.
At the same time, through interaction with industry insiders, the potential in terms of savings that can be generated through innovation and digitization interventions falling under the Transition 4.0 Plan has been assessed.
Then, the study focuses on the future main actors in the ongoing innovation process, namely companies; through a field survey for the pharmaceutical industry, the role that energy policies play for manufacturing companies was investigated. Thanks to responses obtained, significant records on the direct experiences of those working in the industry could be collected, showing whether and how the implementation of green transition scenarios is going to affect companies’ investment decisions.
Finally, in continuity with the activity begun in the second year of the three-year research project, additional cases of excellence in the application of new technologies are described, highlighting the role and varied potential that the “innovative/digital” approach can determine in the process of production efficiency.
The analyses carried out and the actual projects presented may serve as support for companies that are at the beginning of their innovation journey and for the institutions that govern and guide the transition process underway.