Managing information to be more competitive
Bank of Italy research explores the role and importance of good data management
Information is an important factor in competitiveness and a powerful tool for greater efficiency in markets. Theory has long maintained this and practice proves it. Reading Francesco Zollino’s (of the Bank of Italy’s Information Management Service) research, which was published in the institute’s ‘Tematiche istituzionali’ (Institutional Issues) notebooks, helps to improve understanding of this area.
‘L’efficiente governo delle informazioni nell’esperienza delle imprese italiane’ (The efficient governance of information in the experience of Italian companies) is based on evidence from data collected from a sample of large Italian non-financial companies. In particular, an analysis of the organisational and managerial set-ups for the implementation of Data Governance (DG) reveals many common traits across business sectors and geographic areas.
Zollino identified a series of elements that can be summarised into a few key points. First of all, there is widespread awareness of the high strategic value of information assets in light of the uncertainties of the operating environment. Secondly, substantial investment in communication and widespread training for company employees is needed to contain the costs of adapting to the changes brought about by DG. Thirdly, transparent assignment of roles and responsibilities is crucial in DG strategies. All of this must be considered alongside the constantly changing role and importance of data governance for companies. Above all, however, Zollino himself explains that there is an ‘inseparability between the opportunities for exploiting information assets, including through the use of advanced analysis methods, and the need to ensure adequate safeguards for their integrity, confidentiality and security.’
Zollino’s work highlights an important aspect of production culture and organisation that should not be overlooked. However, the research goes even further, outlining a good practice agenda for DG that could be useful beyond the business world.
L’efficiente governo delle informazioni nell’esperienza delle imprese italiane
Francesco Zollino
Banca d’Italia, Tematiche istituzionali, January 2026
Bank of Italy research explores the role and importance of good data management
Information is an important factor in competitiveness and a powerful tool for greater efficiency in markets. Theory has long maintained this and practice proves it. Reading Francesco Zollino’s (of the Bank of Italy’s Information Management Service) research, which was published in the institute’s ‘Tematiche istituzionali’ (Institutional Issues) notebooks, helps to improve understanding of this area.
‘L’efficiente governo delle informazioni nell’esperienza delle imprese italiane’ (The efficient governance of information in the experience of Italian companies) is based on evidence from data collected from a sample of large Italian non-financial companies. In particular, an analysis of the organisational and managerial set-ups for the implementation of Data Governance (DG) reveals many common traits across business sectors and geographic areas.
Zollino identified a series of elements that can be summarised into a few key points. First of all, there is widespread awareness of the high strategic value of information assets in light of the uncertainties of the operating environment. Secondly, substantial investment in communication and widespread training for company employees is needed to contain the costs of adapting to the changes brought about by DG. Thirdly, transparent assignment of roles and responsibilities is crucial in DG strategies. All of this must be considered alongside the constantly changing role and importance of data governance for companies. Above all, however, Zollino himself explains that there is an ‘inseparability between the opportunities for exploiting information assets, including through the use of advanced analysis methods, and the need to ensure adequate safeguards for their integrity, confidentiality and security.’
Zollino’s work highlights an important aspect of production culture and organisation that should not be overlooked. However, the research goes even further, outlining a good practice agenda for DG that could be useful beyond the business world.
L’efficiente governo delle informazioni nell’esperienza delle imprese italiane
Francesco Zollino
Banca d’Italia, Tematiche istituzionali, January 2026