Eurobarometer Shows Growing Use of AI in European Companies

European businesses are increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence, according to the results of the latest Eurobarometer survey. The publication coincides with European AI Innovation Month, which convenes policymakers, industry leaders, the public sector, and researchers to demonstrate how AI is being developed and applied across various EU industrial sectors.

Algorithmic management (AM) or automated systems refer to digital frameworks that assist managers in organizing the workforce and supporting decisions regarding tasks, schedules, performance, or staffing. These systems can be powered by AI and include tools that both automate decision-making and provide recommendations, while the final decision remains with human personnel.

According to the survey, 42% of the European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies consulted already utilize AI and AM, primarily in a limited or experimental capacity. An additional 21% intend to implement these technologies in the future. Beyond applications in customer service and client relations (47%), AI and AM are also utilized by 36% of the interviewed enterprises for monitoring performance and productivity.

Logistics, planning, and staff scheduling (30%) are also prevalent use cases. Furthermore, a clear majority of these European firms (61%) report that the use of AI assists in their decision-making processes. 75% of surveyed companies believe that AI and AM will enhance job quality. Most organizations (90%) maintain that humans make the ultimate decisions, while only 2% of decisions are fully automated.

High investment costs (50%), legal uncertainty (49%), and a lack of expertise (48%) remain primary barriers to broader adoption, according to the survey. Nearly half (49%) of companies expressed a lack of trust in AI or automated systems for decisions involving workforce or personnel matters. Some of these obstacles are addressed by existing EU regulations, including the GDPR and the AI Act, which aim to ensure safety, fundamental rights, and human-centric AI while supporting investment and innovation across the EU.

“In Europe, AI caters to people and businesses. We have laid strong foundations shaping AI to European standards: the AI Act is about ensuring safe, human-centric and trustworthy AI. European companies can safely integrate Artificial intelligence to increase their productivity and the quality of their services. This will ultimately define who truly wins the AI race,” stated Henna Virkkunen, European Commission Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy.