Cybersecurity, from technology to strategic lever: companies point to it as the main innovation transforming manufacturing. Without security, in fact, there can be no industrial competitiveness. The MECSPE Observatory highlights the key role of cybersecurity for digitization, AI, and manufacturing resilience.

Cybersecurity, a strategic lever for businesses

In an industrial context increasingly characterized by digital processes, interconnected factories, and intensive use of data, cybersecurity is taking on an increasingly central role in Italian manufacturing development strategies. In fact, cybersecurity ranks first among the innovations and technologies that are transforming the sector. Furthermore, two out of five companies say they have already introduced cybersecurity solutions or plan to do so within the next two years, confirming a growing awareness of the strategic role of industrial systems and data protection. It is no longer a technology that supports IT systems, but an enabling condition for digital transformation, for the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, and for the ability of companies to operate securely and continuously within increasingly digitized production chains.

This is what emerges from data from the MECSPE Observatory[1], created by Nomisma and a benchmark for analyzing trends in Italian manufacturing, which highlights how companies are progressively integrating cybersecurity into their innovation strategies, alongside investments in automation, process digitization, and advanced data management.

The MECSPE Observatory

According to the Observatory, cybersecurity is now considered a priority technology by manufacturing companies, alongside artificial intelligence and energy efficiency. This trend is part of a broader evolution of the digital factory. Companies continue to invest primarily in automation and robotics (47%) and in digitization and process interconnection (41%), which are key levers for improving efficiency and productivity. Cybersecurity is growing in parallel with these trends, becoming a structural component of new production models. It is no coincidence that in the most technology-intensive sectors, such as electronics, cybersecurity is already one of the main strategic trends, alongside digitization and automation.

An analysis of technological innovations by sector further reinforces this trend: cybersecurity is one of the top three priorities in numerous manufacturing sectors, such as automation and robotics, mechatronics, ferrous metals, additive manufacturing and electronics, and plastics, demonstrating how the protection of digital systems is a cross-cutting requirement that accompanies the evolution of the entire industrial system.

Alongside technological investments, the issue of skills is emerging strongly. Industrial cybersecurity is indicated by almost 30% of companies as one of the priority digital skills to be developed over the next two years, along with robotics, artificial intelligence, and big data analysis. This highlights how cybersecurity cannot be addressed solely through the adoption of new technological solutions, but also requires the strengthening of internal skills and structured training programs. In fact, investing in cybersecurity also means investing in people’s ability to manage the complexity of digital transformation.

Finally, the growing importance of cybersecurity is linked to the issue of industrial resilience. In a scenario characterized by geopolitical instability, supply chain tensions, and increased cyber risks, the protection of information systems and production data becomes a strategic lever for ensuring operational continuity, supply chain reliability, and the protection of companies’ industrial assets. “The MECSPE Observatory data clearly shows that cybersecurity is no longer just a technological issue, but a real strategic lever for the development of manufacturing,” says Maruska Sabato, Project Manager at MECSPE. “The more companies invest in digitization, automation, and data utilization, the more essential it becomes to ensure system security, reliability, and continuity. MECSPE provides a concrete opportunity for discussion on these issues, connecting companies, technologies, and skills to guide manufacturing toward truly sustainable and resilient innovation.”

“Artificial intelligence,” adds Angelo Giuliana, General Manager of the Meditech Competence Center, “is now an extraordinary lever for growth in manufacturing, but its real potential can only emerge if accompanied by a new approach to cybersecurity, one that is increasingly robust and strategic. Without security, innovation cannot scale: companies are hesitant to share data, integrate AI into core processes, and open up to digital supply chains. Cybersecurity is no longer exclusively a technological issue, but an enabling condition for digitization, operational resilience, and competitiveness. For SMEs in particular, the challenge is to overcome the defensive approach and integrate data protection and artificial intelligence into a single strategic vision capable of supporting the evolution of production and organizational models over time.

The picture painted by the MECSPE Observatory offers a concrete interpretation of the transformations taking place in Italian manufacturing. These issues will be the focus of the 24th edition of MECSPE Bologna, scheduled for March 4-6, 2026, at BolognaFiere, a national and international reference point for manufacturing innovation, which will bring together companies, institutions, and research centers to explore cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and skills development, strategic levers for the sector’s competitiveness.

For information and updates: https://www.mecspe.com/it/

MECSPE exhibitions

Machinery and Tools – Machine tools, Equipment, Tools, and Design Software; Sheet metal working machines – Bending, Stamping, Cutting, Assembly, Welding, Materials and Software; Digital Factory – Industrial IT, IoT, Industrial sensors, Cloud manufacturing, Automatic identification technologies, Applications, devices, instrumentation and smart components for process interpretation and interconnection; Logistics – Packaging, Handling, Material handling, Lean manufacturing, Warehouse management software, Supply chain management, Security systems, PPE, Outsourcing; Mechanical Subcontracting – Precision mechanical machining, Metal carpentry, Mechanical construction, Fasteners, Foundries, Small parts, Wire machining, Industrial machining for third parties, Micro-machining; Electronics Italy – CEM (contract electronics manufacturer), Cabling, EMS (electronics manufacturing service), PCB (printed circuit board manufacturers), Engineering and design firms; Eurostampi, plastics, rubber, and composites – Plastics, rubber, and composites processing, Machinery and equipment, Auxiliary equipment, Innovative materials, Molding, Extrusion, Packaging, Blow molding, Molds, Models, Standardized mold components, Design,

Simulation and design software, Micro-machining; Additive Manufacturing – 3D printing, Rapid Prototyping, Rapid Manufacturing, Reverse engineering systems and services, Additive technology, Materials, Services, Hardware: 3D printers and scanners, accessories, Simulation and design software; Treatments and Finishes – Surface treatment systems, Furnaces, Electroplating, Chemical and electronic processes, Washing, Metallization, Enameling, Galvanizing, Treatment products and accessories, Heat treatments, Painting; Non-ferrous materials and alloys – Processing of non-ferrous materials (aluminum, titanium, magnesium, light alloys), die casting, foundries, industrial processing for third parties, technologies, design, engineering; Automation and robotics – Automation and robotics, assembly, mounting, and handling; Control and Quality – Certification and quality control, Metrology, Measuring instruments, Laboratory testing, Calibration, Analysis equipment, Vision; Power Drive – Mechanical transmission components, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Mechatronics, Motion control, Maintenance, Compressed air.

[1] MECSPE Observatory on the manufacturing industry for the second quarter of 2025 conducted by Nomisma on a sample of 350 Italian manufacturing companies, using the CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interviewing) method carried out in October-November 2025.