Technology evolves fast, but people remain at the core. Investing in human potential to drive innovation remains essential according to Stefania Pompili, CEO of Sopra Steria Italy.
In a world where technological innovation is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, people remain the true heart of companies. At Sopra Steria, human capital is our most strategic asset, driving value creation and fostering innovation for our clients. Even in a highly digital industry, what truly sets a company apart is its people – their ability to understand client needs, interpret them with care, and transform them into tailored technological solutions.
Speaking at "Le persone al centro", an event organised by the Department of Public Administration and hosted by Formez in collaboration with TEHA - The European House Ambrosetti, Stefania Pompili, CEO of Sopra Steria Italy, said: “The centrality of people as a key driver of success and innovation must not be overlooked. Instead, it should be embraced in a synergistic approach, particularly as Artificial Intelligence becomes more advanced and increasingly capable of autonomous tasks”.
Understanding customer needs – a deeply human ability – is why Sopra Steria continuously invests in lifelong and cross-disciplinary learning. With a catalogue of over 3,000 courses and partnerships with top coaching and training experts, we focus on keeping technical skills up to date while strengthening essential soft skills in an evolving market. Topics such as inclusion, diversity and leadership are at the core of our training programs, offered both in-person and remotely.
Emerging technologies as growth accelerators
Technology is not just a tool for innovation – it is also a driver of learning and development. Through our internal rAIse program, Sopra Steria provides employees with resources to explore and leverage the full potential of AI. This internal hub consolidates AI-related initiatives, case studies, best practices, and tools to support teams in adopting emerging technologies.
This vision extends beyond our organisation. Recently, Sopra Steria launched the International Student Challenge, inviting university students from diverse backgrounds to develop AI-driven solutions addressing socio-economic and environmental challenges. The winner will have the opportunity to bring their ideas to life through real-world professional experiences, reinforcing the idea that technology can be a catalyst for positive change.
AI and ethics: The irreplaceable role of human judgement
As powerful as AI may be, it cannot replace human judgement. In a world where AI is becoming more autonomous, it is crucial for people to manage these tools with critical expertise. This means not only leveraging AI’s speed and precision but also recognising its limitations to ensure ethical and sustainable use. Innovation, therefore, is also a matter of corporate culture.
Looking ahead
Technology has radically transformed how we live and work, and future changes will come even faster. Sopra Steria, with its technological expertise, aims to extend these benefits beyond business by engaging employees in volunteer activities focused on digitalisation and access to information.
One example is our long-standing collaboration with the Comunità di Sant’Egidio, where we have helped digitise systems used by volunteers. Initiatives like this demonstrate how technology can serve not just business needs but also create lasting positive impacts on society.
In a world where innovation and people are deeply interconnected, Sopra Steria remains committed to a sustainable and inclusive transformation – where technology amplifies human potential.