Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way European businesses operate, driving efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness. According to the latest Eurostat report, 13.5% of EU enterprises with 10 or more employees adopted AI technologies in 2024, a significant increase from 8% in 2023. Large enterprises are at the forefront, with 41.2% using AI, compared to 20.9% of medium-sized firms and 11.2% of small firms. This gap highlights the challenges smaller businesses face, such as implementation complexity and costs, but also signals growing opportunities as AI becomes more accessible.

Common applications include:

• Text Mining: Analyzing written language for insights (used by 30.1% of enterprises in the information and communication sector).
• Natural Language Processing: Powering chatbots and speech recognition systems.
• Machine Learning: Driving data analysis for smarter decision-making.
• Image Recognition: Identifying objects or people in images for applications like quality control.
• Robotic Process Automation: Automating workflows and supporting decision-making.

Regional and Sectoral Variations

The report shows strong regional variation:

• Denmark (27.6%), Sweden (25.1%), and Belgium (24.7%) lead the EU in AI usage.
• Germany, Europe’s largest economy, recorded 14.2%, slightly above the EU average.
• Romania (3.1%), Poland (5.9%), and Bulgaria (6.5%) lag behind, though all countries reported increases from 2023, with Sweden seeing the highest growth (14.7 percentage point).

Sector-wise, the information and communication sector dominates with 48.7% of enterprises using AI, followed by professional, scientific, and technical services at 30.5%. In contrast, sectors like construction and accommodation show lower adoption rates (6.1%), reflecting AI’s varying relevance across industries. For example, in manufacturing, AI is primarily used for marketing and sales (27.1%) and production processes (26.2%), while the information sector focuses on R&D and innovation (43.5%).

Looking Ahead

As AI technologies become more affordable and user-friendly, adoption is expected to surge across all sectors and regions. Businesses in lower-adoption areas, such as Romania or Bulgaria, have a unique opportunity to gain a competitive edge by integrating AI early. At NewMediaSoft, we’re committed to helping businesses navigate this AI revolution with tailored solutions that drive growth and efficiency. Ready to explore how AI can transform your business? Visit NewMediaSoft.de to learn about our AI-driven tools and services, or contact us to start your journey today!