AI Adoption and Investment in the Euro Area

This Occasional Paper presents an analysis of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption among firms in the euro area, utilizing harmonised firm-level data from the Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises (SAFE) conducted in June and December 2025. The analysis is based on responses from approximately 6,000 firms across 12 countries, focusing on AI adoption rates, drivers, barriers, and economic implications. Findings indicate that while 70% of firms report some AI usage, only 7% classify it as significant, revealing disparities across countries and firm characteristics. The primary motivation for adopting AI is the enhancement of business processes, with significant barriers including skill shortages and data privacy concerns. Financing for AI adoption predominantly comes from internal funds, with grants and subsidised loans also playing a role. The paper discusses the relationship between AI adoption and factors such as productivity, investment expectations, and employment, concluding that AI adoption may positively influence these areas without immediate negative impacts on the workforce.