AI could boost Italy-China innovation cooperation: report

ROME, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Artificial intelligence (AI) could create new opportunities for cooperation between Italy and China by connecting their complementary industrial strengths, according to a report presented by the Italy-China Foundation on Thursday.

China's technological rise should not be viewed solely through the lens of competition, the report said, highlighting opportunities for collaboration in innovation and AI.

While China brings scale, manufacturing capacity and speed in translating technologies into industrial production, Italy excels at turning industrial expertise, specialized production, design and sector-specific know-how into practical innovation, it said.

AI could help combine these strengths in advanced manufacturing and support the development of new supply chains for high-value-added products, according to the report.

The report said China's innovation ecosystem continued to expand, with more than 6,600 AI companies operating in the country as of June 2026.

"Companies today are operating within a context of increased geopolitical and technological uncertainty; having the opportunity to rely on analytical tools and knowledge when making strategic decisions is more vital than ever," said Mario Boselli, president of the foundation.