Over 17,000 attendees, 500 speakers from across the globe, 200 sponsors and partners: these were the numbers behind the sixth edition of AI Week, held on May 13–14. The event brought artificial intelligence back to the center of the European stage, turning Milan into a meeting point for technology, business, and strategic vision.

But the most relevant insight didn’t come from the numbers—it came from the substance. AI is no longer just a futuristic idea: it’s a practical, accessible technology that can now be integrated into the daily operations of SMEs.

AI is no longer just for large enterprises

For years, AI was perceived as an expensive, complex solution reserved for large corporations or high-tech industries. In 2025, that view no longer holds. Solutions presented at AI Week showed how companies with revenues of €1 to €20 million can now adopt intelligent tools across their operations—marketing, customer management, logistics, and strategic planning.

From Private AI—systems trained on company-specific data in secure environments—to generative assistants that automate repetitive tasks, the market has moved toward scalable models built specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. These tools come with sustainable costs, short onboarding times, and don’t require an organizational overhaul.

SMEs and AI: what’s needed is a mindset shift, not an IT department

The real barrier isn’t technological—it’s cultural. AI Week clearly showed that the companies seeing real results aren’t necessarily the most structured ones, but rather those willing to change their mindset. The question has shifted from “How much does AI cost?” to “What do we need to work better?”

Many Italian SMEs risk falling behind—not due to lack of resources, but because AI is still viewed as a leap into the unknown, instead of a measured step toward a stronger, more resilient organization.

From strategy to operations: AI becomes a daily tool

The solutions showcased at AI Week are increasingly less “futuristic” and more ready for Monday morning. Some companies use AI to reorganize their warehouse flows. Others apply it to improve customer segmentation and enhance commercial effectiveness. Still others automate quotation responses or internal reporting.

No bold promises—just tangible improvements in efficiency, achieved through small time savings and better micro-decisions.

Even when exploring more advanced use cases, such as automated forecasting or ERP integration, the message remains the same: AI is now a practical ally, not a theoretical concept.

A relevant lesson for Italian SMEs

For those working closely with entrepreneurs who operate in real-world conditions, AI Week wasn’t about chasing trends. It offered useful, grounded insights into how AI can be simple, valuable, and tailored to the actual needs of Italian SMEs.

Coming back from AI Week 2025 doesn’t mean returning with a list of new tools—it means having one clear idea: today, innovation is no longer just about new products. It’s about smarter processes.

Conclusion: it’s time to act

Artificial intelligence is no longer an emerging novelty. It’s a practical opportunity to improve operations, reduce errors, and free up time to focus on what truly matters—growing the business.

AI Week 2025 confirmed what many already suspected: the time for waiting is over. For Italian SMEs, the moment to act is now—not later.