Survey samples 5,000 Italian micro-firms on financial literacy
A sample survey by Banca d'Italia covers 5,000 Italian micro-enterprises to assess financial literacy, digital skills, and climate readiness. Conducted in the first half of 2025, the research represents a target universe of over 4.5 million small firms.
Quota sampling across 4.5 million firms
The target population covers more than 4.5 million non-financial micro-enterprises with up to nine employees.
Banca d'Italia designed a quota sample of 5,000 entrepreneurs mirroring national distributions across sectors, firm size, and five geographical areas.
Wholesale and retail trade accounts for 21 percent of the target universe, professional and technical activities represent 19 percent, and construction comprises 11 percent.
Nearly half of the firms operate in Northern Italy, while 30 percent are in the South and Islands.
More than two thirds are single-employee businesses, and only 5 percent employ six to nine workers.
Among respondents, women represent 28 percent, the average owner age is 52 years, and 71 percent have run their business for over a decade.
Telephone dominance and 70 post-strata
Data collection followed a sequential mixed-mode setup with online surveys followed by telephone outreach after reminders.
Telephone interviews accounted for 92 percent of completed questionnaires, yielding a 17 percent response rate compared to 1 percent online.
Average interview duration reached 28 minutes across both modes.
To ensure statistical representativeness, the central bank calibrated the data across 70 post-strata using Horvitz-Thompson estimators with statistical raking.
Solid statistics, sluggish channels
The 70-strata calibration provides robust protection against distortions across Italy's fragmented small businesses.
Yet a dismal 1 percent online response rate exposes severe friction in digital engagement.
The methodology ensures sound data quality, but the heavy reliance on telephone interviews remains inefficient.