On March 20, 2025, Rome Business School presented the results of a study conducted in collaboration with Planeta Formación y Universidades and GAD3, focusing on the perceptions, skills, and expectations of Italian university students regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on future employability. The study involved more than 3,600 students from Italy, Spain, France, and Colombia, highlighting the growing importance of AI in professional careers and the lack of adequate preparation in this field.
According to the study, 89% of Italian students use AI tools, with 76% utilizing generative AI and 64% employing it as a personal assistant. However, only 32% of the students feel capable of developing AI-based solutions, revealing a significant gap in technological skills. Despite the high use of AI tools, there is a lack of in-depth training to understand and apply emerging technologies.
The main opportunities identified by the students include improved productivity (40%) and advancements in research and development (38%). Conversely, the most common concerns relate to job losses due to automation, with 33% of the respondents viewing this phenomenon as a threat to the labor market. The sectors considered most vulnerable are manufacturing (30%), administrative work (17%), and creative professions (15%). Despite these concerns, 31% of the students are optimistic about the creation of new job opportunities, especially in innovative sectors.
The analysis revealed that only 23% of Italian students have received specific training in AI, particularly in engineering and architectural disciplines. This data demonstrates the urgency of closing the educational gap. Despite this shortfall, 64% of the students expressed a desire to deepen their AI skills, recognizing the crucial importance of these competencies for their future professional lives.
Antonio Ragusa, Dean of Rome Business School, emphasized how AI is already redefining educational and professional paths.
“Students are increasingly aware of AI’s central role, but it is clear that training in this field must be strengthened,”
he stated. To address this, Rome Business School has introduced specific prompting courses to help students interact more effectively with AI tools, developed modules focused on industrial applications of AI, and collaborated with the business world to enrich its educational offerings.
A recurring theme is the impact of AI on the labor market. The research found that 33% of Italian students fear that automation will lead to job losses, while 31% believe that AI will generate new opportunities, especially in emerging sectors. The most exposed sectors are manufacturing, administration, and creative professions, whereas managerial and highly skilled roles seem to be less vulnerable.
Artificial intelligence could transform the work landscape by automating repetitive tasks and allowing professionals to focus on more complex and strategic activities. However, the fear of increasing unemployment is palpable, particularly among workers in more traditional sectors.
Italian students are aware of the challenges and opportunities arising from AI, but university education must quickly adapt. Seventy-four percent of the students believe that universities should integrate AI into their curricula, with a particular focus on training educators. Moreover, 68% of respondents suggest a closer collaboration between academic institutions and technology companies to ensure that the skills developed align with market demands.
Emanuele Cacciatore, Offering, Innovation and Go-to-Market Director at Engineering Group, stressed, “We must not only teach students to coexist with AI, but also to lead, control, and improve it.” It is essential that universities not only transmit theoretical knowledge but also train professionals capable of critically and ethically addressing the challenges related to artificial intelligence.
In conclusion, artificial intelligence is transforming both education and the world of work, but the challenges are evident. AI training must be enhanced and made accessible to all students to adequately prepare them for a professional future in which AI will play a fundamental role. Collaboration between universities, companies, and research centers is crucial to addressing AI challenges and turning them into real opportunities, thus ensuring a competitive and sustainable future for the professionals of tomorrow.
