MECSPE Observatory highlights the key role of cybersecurity for digitalisation, AI and manufacturing resilience: 2 out of 5 companies identify it among the technologies already introduced or to be introduced in the short term.
Milan, 9 January 2026 – In an industrial context increasingly characterized by digital processes, interconnected factories and intensive use of data, cybersecurity is taking on an ever more central role in the development strategies of Italian manufacturing. In fact, cybersecurity ranks first among the innovations and technologies transforming the sector. Moreover, 2 out of 5 companies state that they have already introduced cybersecurity solutions or plan to do so within the next two years, confirming a growing awareness of the strategic role of protecting industrial systems and data. It is no longer merely a supporting technology for IT systems, but an enabling condition for digital transformation, for the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and for companies’ ability to operate securely and continuously within increasingly digitalised production chains.
This is what emerges from the data of the MECSPE Observatory, developed by Nomisma and a reference point for analysing the dynamics of Italian manufacturing, which shows how companies are progressively integrating cybersecurity into their innovation pathways, alongside investments in automation, process digitalisation and advanced data management.
According to the Observatory, cybersecurity now ranks among the technologies considered a priority by manufacturing companies, together with artificial intelligence and energy efficiency. This trend fits into a broader framework of digital factory evolution. Companies continue to invest mainly in automation and robotics (47%) and in the digitalisation and interconnection of processes (41%), key levers to improve efficiency and productivity, and cybersecurity is growing in parallel with these directions, becoming a structural component of new production models. Not by chance, in sectors with higher technological intensity, such as electronics, cybersecurity already features among the main strategic trends, alongside digitalisation and automation.
The analysis of technological innovations by sector further reinforces this trend: cybersecurity is one of the top three priorities in numerous manufacturing sectors, such as automation and robotics, mechatronics, ferrous metals, additive manufacturing and electronics, plastics, demonstrating how the protection of digital systems is a cross-cutting need accompanying the evolution of the entire industrial system.
Alongside technological investments, the issue of skills emerges strongly. Industrial cybersecurity is identified by almost 30% of companies among the priority digital skills to be developed over the next two years, together with robotics, artificial intelligence and Big Data analytics. This figure highlights how cybersecurity cannot be addressed solely through the adoption of new technological solutions, but also requires a strengthening of internal skills and structured training programmes. Investing in cybersecurity therefore also means investing in people’s ability to manage the complexity of digital transformation.
The growing centrality of cybersecurity is finally linked to the issue of industrial resilience. In a scenario characterised by geopolitical instability, supply chain tensions and increasing cyber risks, the protection of information systems and production data becomes a strategic lever to ensure operational continuity, supply chain reliability and the safeguarding of companies’ industrial assets.
“Data from the MECSPE Observatory clearly show that cybersecurity is no longer just a technological issue, but a true strategic lever for the development of manufacturing,” says Maruska Sabato, Project Manager of MECSPE. “The more companies invest in digitalisation, automation and data usage, the more essential it becomes to guarantee security, reliability and continuity of systems. MECSPE represents a concrete opportunity for discussion on these issues, connecting companies, technologies and skills to guide manufacturing towards truly sustainable and resilient innovation.”
“Artificial intelligence today represents an extraordinary lever for growth in manufacturing, but its real potential can only emerge if accompanied by a new, increasingly solid and strategic approach to cybersecurity. Without security, innovation does not scale: companies hesitate to share data, integrate AI into core processes and open up to digital supply chains. Cybersecurity is no longer an exclusively technological issue, but an enabling condition for digitalisation, operational resilience and competitiveness. Especially for SMEs, the challenge is to move beyond a defensive approach and integrate data protection and artificial intelligence into a single strategic vision, capable of supporting the long-term evolution of production and organisational models,” adds Angelo Giuliana, Director General of the Meditech Competence Centre.
The picture outlined by the MECSPE Observatory provides a concrete interpretation of the transformations underway in Italian manufacturing. These topics will be at the heart of the 24th edition of MECSPE Bologna, scheduled from 4 to 6 March 2026 at BolognaFiere, a national and international reference point for manufacturing innovation, which will bring together companies, institutions and research centres to explore cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, sustainability and skills development – strategic levers for the sector’s competitiveness.
For more information: www.mecspe.com/en
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