Sardinia is seeking to carve out a leading role in digital Italy. This is the objective that emerged from the "Digital World – Third Millennium" forum, organized by UILTuCS Sardinia on November 13 and 14 at the Ex Manifattura Tabacchi in Cagliari. This was the first regional event dedicated to the impact of artificial intelligence on the tertiary, commerce, tourism, and services sectors.

The initiative, supported by Sardegna Ricerche, Fondazione di Sardegna, and joint institutions in the sector, brought together representatives from the academic, political, and trade union worlds. Guests included Regional President Alessandra Todde, Labor Councilor Desirè Manca, and scholars such as Matteo Flora, Laura Palazzani, Silvia Ciucciovino, Michele Faioli, and Alessandro Aresu.

At the heart of the discussion is the research presented by UILTuCS regional secretary Cristiano Ardau, which captures the impact of AI on employment on the island.

According to the data, 5% of workers are at risk of losing their jobs and 30% are exposed to the effects of generative technologies. Up to 10,000 jobs could disappear in the service sector, while another 20,000 could be created in the digital and technology sectors. This transition, according to the study, will result in the disappearance of 20% of jobs and a decade to close the skills gap.

"The real problem isn't replacement, but the time needed for the transition," Ardau explained. "Those who lose their jobs risk experiencing severe hardship. We need social protections, but also the ability to seize the opportunity to build a new Sardinian model of digital work: more sustainable, more skilled, and better paid."

Ardau identified Sardinia as a potential "artificial intelligence region," thanks to its quality of life and the potential to attract digital professionals. "These jobs don't pollute or consume land," he added. "They can contribute to the island's development."

The two-day event featured panels, keynote lectures, and masterclasses dedicated to AI ethics, data security, new training programs, and the role of union representation in an increasingly automated economy.

UILTuCS Sardegna has confirmed its commitment to driving digital transformation while protecting workers and, building on the results of the 2024 edition, has announced that it is already working on the "Digital World – Third Millennium" forum in 2026.

(Unioneonline/Fr.Me.)

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