C.N.E. Appoints Pierpaolo Basile as Head of Innovation and AI Department
A Significant Step Towards the Digital Future
Rome, June 24, 2025 - The National Confederation of Retailers (C.N.E.) has recently appointed Pierpaolo Basile as the new head of the Innovation, Technology Research and Artificial Intelligence Department. This decision marks a significant step towards strengthening C.N.E. as a reference point for innovation in the country's entrepreneurial and professional landscape.
AI: Ally, Not Enemy
Philosophy of the New Department
Basile emphasized the importance of Artificial Intelligence with a statement that perfectly synthesizes the new department's approach:
"AI is not an enemy to defend against, but a tool to govern with competence and foresight. It is an ally to improve work quality and social well-being."
This philosophy will guide the new department, designed to make the adoption of emerging technologies more accessible and democratic for all associated businesses.
Pierpaolo Basile's Profile
An Experienced Background
Pierpaolo Basile brings extensive professional experience in strategic innovation and digital transformation. His career includes:
- Collaborations with major international companies
- Partnerships with numerous public administrations
- High-level technical and relational skills
- Consolidated experience in digital transformation projects
Mission of the New Role
In this new role, Basile will have the crucial task of guiding dialogue between businesses, institutions, and innovation, promoting concrete solutions for digital transition of:
- Small and medium enterprises
- Professionals and freelancers
- Public entities and local administrations
- Startups and innovative companies
Innovation Department Objectives
Three Strategic Pillars
The C.N.E. Innovation Department proposes three fundamental objectives:
1. Governing Innovation
- Develop legislative and regulatory proposals
- Enhance artificial intelligence in the Italian socio-economic fabric
- Create regulatory frameworks for responsible AI adoption
- Promote ethical standards in technology use
2. Spreading Digital Culture
- Offer tailored tools for SMEs and professionals
- Specialized training programs
- Practical workshops for implementation
- Technical support for digital transition
3. Promoting Pilot Projects
- Bringing AI to the field: from restaurant kitchens to agricultural companies
- Practical implementations in professional offices
- Digitalization of public offices
- Replicable case studies by sector
Application Sectors
Where AI Will Make a Difference
The new department will focus on concrete AI applications in various sectors:
Restaurant and Hospitality
- Order management and automated inventory
- Crowd forecasting and staff optimization
- Customer experience personalization
- Quality control and food safety
Agriculture and Agri-food
- Crop monitoring with IoT sensors
- Weather forecasting for planning
- Irrigation optimization and fertilization
- Food chain traceability
Professional Offices
- Automation of administrative practices
- Assistance in regulatory research
- Client management and appointments
- Document analysis and contracts
Public Administration
- Digitalization of citizen services
- Automation of bureaucratic processes
- Chatbots for information and assistance
- Data analysis for decision making
Collaboration and Synergy
An Integrated Ecosystem
The new department will work in synergy with:
- Universities and research centers
- Innovative startups in the tech sector
- AI competence centers
- Public and private innovation actors
Objective: Cohesive Ecosystem
The initiative aims to create a cohesive ecosystem that can:
- Connect all digital innovation agents
- Guide Italy in the transition towards a digitalized future
- Create opportunities for networking and collaboration
- Develop skills distributed across the territory
Impact for Associated Businesses
Concrete Benefits
Businesses associated with C.N.E. will benefit from:
Privileged Access
- Specialized consulting on AI adoption
- Free training on emerging technologies
- Technical support for implementation
- Networking with sector experts
Pilot Projects
- Participation in experimental projects
- Access to cutting-edge technologies
- Financial support for digital investments
- Mentorship during transition
Competitiveness
- Competitive advantage through innovation
- Improved operational efficiency
- Cost reduction through automation
- New business opportunities
Responsible Approach to AI
Ethics and Sustainability
The department will promote a responsible approach to artificial intelligence:
- Transparency in algorithms used
- Protection of personal and business data
- Environmental sustainability of technological solutions
- Inclusivity in technology access
Training and Awareness
- Education on AI risks and opportunities
- Development of widespread digital skills
- Awareness on ethical issues
- Promotion of responsible innovation culture
Future Prospects
Vision 2026-2027
The department sets ambitious goals for the coming years:
- 1000+ businesses involved in digitalization projects
- 50 pilot projects successfully implemented
- National network of AI competencies
- Active territorial innovation hubs
International Collaborations
- Partnerships with European centers of excellence
- Exchange of international best practices
- Participation in EU AI programs
- Italian representation in technology forums
Statements
An Accessible Digital Future
As emphasized by the C.N.E. Presidency, Pierpaolo Basile's appointment represents:
"Not only a strategic choice for C.N.E., but also an opportunity for the Italian business community to embrace innovation responsibly and proactively."
Contacts and Information
For more information on the new Innovation Department:
- Email: innovazione@confederazionenazionalesercenti.it
- AI Department: ia.dipartimento@confederazionenazionalesercenti.it
- Headquarters: Piazza del Popolo 18, Rome
- Phone: 06.XXX.XXXX
Pierpaolo Basile's appointment as head of the Innovation Department marks the beginning of a new era for C.N.E. and all associated businesses, who will be able to count on cutting-edge competencies to face the challenges of the digital future with awareness and success.