FRANKFURT — A new analysis from European Central Bank researchers reveals that although artificial intelligence has become widespread among businesses across the euro zone, only a small share of companies are actually using it at a high level — and there is still significant room for that to grow.
While economists have been debating whether AI adoption can produce the kind of efficiency gains that matter on a broad economic scale, the ECB study offers some clarity. A survey of more than 5,000 companies across the euro zone found that more than 70% say they are already using AI in some capacity, with most of the remaining firms planning to begin this year. However, the depth of that use is limited — only 7% of companies surveyed qualify as intense AI users.
“The intensive use that drives transformation and generates macroeconomic gains remains rare,” wrote the authors, all ECB researchers, in a blog post that does not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Central Bank.
The data also revealed some unexpected patterns. Rather than large corporations leading the charge, it is smaller and younger companies that are making the most intensive use of AI. High-tech and knowledge-intensive service businesses were also more likely to be heavy users compared to companies in other sectors, where large firms are clearly falling behind.
The motivations for adopting AI also shift as companies deepen their use. “Firms at an early stage of adoption often cite cost reductions and improvements in operational efficiency as their main reasons for using it,” the blog noted. “Intensive users are more frequently motivated by growth and innovation.”
Another finding: companies are more likely to invest in AI when they see their competitors doing the same, reflecting a kind of peer pressure dynamic in the business world. Those who use AI most heavily also tend to spend significantly on customized solutions, going well beyond simply purchasing software licenses.
