CIONET Explores “The Cloud Balancing Act” in Rome: Key Insights and Takeaways

On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the CIONET community in Rome gathered for an evening of insight and exchange around one of today’s most critical digital topics: The Cloud Balancing Act. The event brought together industry leaders, technology experts, and public sector officials to explore the challenges and opportunities of cloud adoption, multi-cloud strategies, digital sovereignty, and the future of cloud computing in Europe.

The evening began with a Welcome Coffee and Networking session, giving participants a chance to connect before diving into a rich and carefully curated agenda. Francesco Tondi, Managing Director of CIONET Italy, opened the event with a warm welcome, setting the tone for a thought-provoking evening.

Keynotes and Trends

The discussions officially kicked off with a remote keynote from Luc Hendrikx, CEO of CIONET Belgium, who presented the “Top 10 Cloud Computing Trends in Europe for 2025 and Beyond”. His insights offered a forward-looking perspective on the cloud landscape and its evolving role in digital transformation.

Moderator Massimo Fedeli, Direttore del Dipartimento per lo sviluppo di metodi e tecnologie per la produzione e la diffusione dell’informazione statistica, ISTAT provided a comprehensive overview of the current state of cloud adoption in Italy and Europe:

• Cloud adoption among European enterprises nearly doubled between 2018 and 2023, reaching 45%.
  
  
• In Italy, the rate nearly tripled to 60%, surpassing the European average.
  
  
• While Italy shows strength in cloud services and electronic invoicing, there is room for broader adoption of advanced technologies such as AI.
  
  
• Larger enterprises are leading this transformation, with nearly 30% planning additional investments in cloud by 2026.
  
  
• The Strategia Cloud Italia aims to migrate around 75% of Italian Public Administrations to the cloud, supported by the Polo Strategico Nazionale (PSN) to ensure national data sovereignty and technological autonomy.

Strategic Insights from AGID

A significant keynote was delivered by Mario Nobile, Direttore Generale of AGID. Mario Nobile addressed critical questions regarding Italian and European scenarios for data center development and their associated sustainability aspects. He also shed light on how Italy's cloud strategy is evolving in response to the latest computational paradigms.

Panel: Multi-Cloud Strategies & Cloud Lock-In

A dynamic panel discussion followed, focusing on Multi-Cloud Strategies and Cloud Lock-In. And fostering a lively exchange of perspectives. Panelists included:

• Giorgio Agrifoglio from the Direzione Generale per la Digitalizzazione, MIT, addressed the strategy the MIT is adopting for the use of cloud infrastructures and discussing technical and organizational limits identified in employing a multi-cloud strategy.
• Michele De Luca, Head of Corporate IT at ENAV, tackled the pertinent question of whether the cloud can still be an innovation tool when faced with vendor lock-in and explored the challenges companies encounter when implementing multi-cloud strategies.
• Valerio Foti, Head of ICT - Networks | Infrastructures | Operations at ADR, shared the primary drivers behind his company's cloud adoption journey and the resultant opportunities and benefits for their business. He also outlined the criteria ADR employs in defining its multi-cloud strategy and their current position on the adoption roadmap.
• Pietro Stroia, Head of Technology at PagoPA, elaborated on how PagoPA balances the need for high-speed development teams with avoiding technological lock-in in a multi-cloud environment. Furthermore, he discussed PagoPA's approach to cloud security and overall cloud governance within such a dynamic, delivery-oriented setting.

Client Case: Digital Transformation in Practice

The event continued with a real-world success story from RDR Group, shared by:

• Arturo Busco, CEO at DARF recounted the digitalization path undertaken by Darf of the RDR Group, including the main challenges faced and the most significant impacts of this transformation on their business and sector.
• Ruggero Breda, Head of Presales, IFS Italy explained how IFS's "Evergreen" platform operationally delivers on its promise to meet innovation needs in strategic sectors, a critical element for RDR.
• Matteo Zamorani, Italy Country Leader at Arcwide highlighted Arcwide's role in the project and underscored the importance of ensuring seamless integration in such contexts

Focus on Digital Sovereignty

The final session spotlighted Google Cloud and PSN: Digital Sovereignty in the Cloud:

• Thomas Mascioli Colavecchi, CISO at Polo Strategico Nazionale, discussed PSN's crucial role in guaranteeing digital sovereignty for the Public Administration. He elaborated on how PSN ensures that chosen solutions provide full data control for their PA clients and outlined the respective roles of PSN, CSPs like Google, and the clients themselves in this process. He also detailed the significant elements of the certification, verification, and design process for PSN SPC services to achieve the necessary level of sovereignty.
• Giorgio Gallucci, Principal Architect Sovereignty - Security and Compliance Lead at Google Cloud Italy, explained how Google Cloud's distinct approach and product portfolio supported the collaboration with PSN to meet digital sovereignty requirements. He also described how Google Cloud assists clients in releasing innovative services while ensuring a responsible cloud adoption journey and adherence to national and international regulations.

Closing and Networking

The evening concluded with a Networking Cocktail offering further opportunities for dialogue - set against the stunning backdrop of Rome’s historic skyline.

Conclusion

CIONET’s The Cloud Balancing Act in Rome successfully addressed the multidimensional challenges and opportunities of modern cloud computing. From policy frameworks and strategic trends to hands-on implementation and governance, the discussions reinforced how vital cloud technology is in shaping the future of public and private digital transformation—while highlighting the balance needed between innovation, control, and security.

Our sincere gratitude extends to all the panellists, Business Partners and all participating Digital Leaders for their invaluable insights at this event! 

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