Newswire
Rome: Italian aerospace, defence and security group Leonardo has significantly expanded its strategic partnership with Microsoft Italia, launching an ambitious digital transformation programme aimed at modernising workplace collaboration and accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across the company.
The initiative, titled “Digital Horizon – A New Era of Collaboration,” represents a major milestone in Leonardo’s long-term digital transformation strategy and will introduce Microsoft 365 cloud productivity services and generative AI technologies to approximately 50,000 employees across the Group.
Developed in collaboration with Microsoft Italia, the programme is designed to transform the way employees communicate, collaborate and manage workflows by integrating advanced digital tools and AI-powered solutions into day-to-day operations.
Under the initiative, Leonardo’s workforce will gain access to Microsoft Teams, OneDrive and Outlook through Microsoft’s secure cloud platform, enabling real-time collaboration, seamless document sharing and more flexible remote working. The programme also introduces Microsoft 365 Copilot, an AI-powered assistant capable of supporting employees in creating, analysing and summarising content while operating within the company’s secure digital environment.
The adoption of generative AI is expected to streamline routine administrative tasks, improve operational efficiency and enable employees to devote greater attention to high-value and innovation-driven activities.
Beyond technology deployment, the partnership places strong emphasis on workforce development and digital skills enhancement. Leonardo has introduced a comprehensive training programme featuring short learning modules, practical guidance, digital support tools and specialised instruction on advanced AI prompting techniques and the use of AI agents.
A company-wide network of “Digital Pioneers” has also been established to encourage the adoption of new technologies, share best practices and support colleagues as they transition to the new digital working environment.
Antonio Liotti, Leonardo’s Chief People and Organization Officer, said the Digital Horizon programme reflects the company’s commitment to creating a more connected, integrated and collaborative workplace.
He said the introduction of AI and advanced digital tools would enhance collaboration, improve information sharing and stimulate innovation by reducing the time employees spend on repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on activities that generate greater value.
Liotti emphasised that employee training remains central to the initiative, not only to equip staff with new technical skills but also to facilitate a broader cultural shift towards more agile, collaborative and innovative ways of working.
Marco Fischetto, Director of the Public Administration Division at Microsoft Italia, said the partnership demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to helping Leonardo accelerate innovation, productivity and collaboration while maintaining the company’s high standards for cybersecurity and information protection.
He noted that successful digital transformation depends not only on advanced technology but also on developing the skills and organisational culture necessary for the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence.
The expanded collaboration underscores Italy’s growing focus on integrating cloud computing and AI into strategic industries, positioning Leonardo among the country’s leading companies driving digital innovation while strengthening its competitiveness in the global aerospace, defence and security sectors.
