Nearly three-quarters (73%) of Romanian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their activities, but only 22% implement the technology at scale, according to a new benchmark report published by AI Chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the research, across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), over 75% of SMEs are using AI, and 25% are using it at scale. The main applications are data analysis (40%), translation (35%), and task automation (28%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Romania, 66% of companies say they want to expand AI usage (a level of enthusiasm comparable to Poland and Slovakia). However, only 36% are familiar with the EU AI Act (below the regional average of 39%), and more than half (57%) identify lack of knowledge as the main barrier to AI adoption – one of the highest levels in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The survey classifies companies into four categories: “Practical Optimists”; “Aware with Barriers”; “Indifferent to AI”; “Digitally Withdrawn”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Romania shows a balanced distribution across these categories: 21% are digitally withdrawn, 29% are indifferent, 19% are practical optimists, 31% are aware of AI potential but with barriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, two-thirds (66%) of Romanian companies believe AI will transform their industry (above the regional average), but only 44% expect direct benefits for their own operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regarding company size and AI maturity, larger firms (50-250 employees) dominate the ‘Aware with Barriers’ group, while micro-enterprises are overrepresented among the ‘Digitally Withdrawn’. Despite lacking digital infrastructure in some cases, 61% of Romanian employees are actively seeking ways to use AI at work, one of the highest rates in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, only 8% of Romanian firms say they are ready for an AI audit, a percentage in line with the CEE average, but concerning given the upcoming enforcement of the AI Act, the report notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, 25% of Romanian SMEs have taken no steps to train employees in AI, a factor which experts at AI Chamber warn could widen the gap between companies that are ready and those being left behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the global AI market is projected to reach USD 4.8 trillion by 2033, a 25-fold increase from 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
‘In this context, Romania can no longer afford to delay investments in AI. While a significant portion of companies show interest, the lack of internal expertise and systemic support remains a major challenge. However, the fact that 66% of Romanian firms want to expand AI use, above the regional average, is a clear signal that the appetite for transformation exists. The challenge remains how to turn this potential into concrete action,’ the report says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The AI Chamber report, titled ‘How CEE SMEs Are Finding Their Way in the World of AI’, is based on a survey of over 3,200 small and medium-sized enterprises from 11 countries in Central and Eastern Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AI Chamber, based in Poland, brings together startups, corporations, organisations, and NGOs focused on AI from across the CEE region. As a thought leader in the field, it promotes the ethical use of AI, encourages collaboration between the private sector and NGOs, and actively supports initiatives that foster AI innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n