Poland is owned by the second lowest level of AI-used companies in the EU

According to the latest Eurostat data, only 5.9% of Polish companies use AI tools, the second-lowest person in the European Union. In contrast, in some EU countries, a quarter of companies use AI.

The figures are highlighted in a new report by the Institute of Economic Research, Polish Economics (PIE), a think tank related to the province, which also conducted a supplemental survey of 1,000 Polish companies on the use of AI.

The Institute found that, despite these companies accounting for 45.3% of the country's GDP and more than 99% of all companies, more than half of Poland's micro and small businesses do not consider investment in AI important.

“These are not optimistic figures in terms of increasing the use of artificial intelligence in businesses,” concluded Pai. “Changing this is a priority. Otherwise, Polish companies could lose market share due to faster modernisation foreign competitors.”

Pie cited EuroStat data released earlier this year. This showed that Polish companies were significantly behind their EU counterparts in adopting digital tools, including AI.

Across the EU, 13.5% of companies with 10 or more employees reported using AI in 2024, up from 8% in 2023. The highest adoption rates were recorded in Denmark (27.6%), Sweden (25.1%) and Belgium (24.7%). The lowest were Romania (3.1%), Poland (5.9%) and Bulgaria (6.5%).

All EU countries reported an increase in AI use compared to 2023. Sweden was the biggest profit year-over-year, earning 14.7% points, followed by Denmark (+12.4 points) and Belgium (+10.9 points). Poland has increased its AI usage by just 2.2 points.

Pie's own research suggests that it is unlikely that changes will occur anytime soon. The survey found that 55% of micro and small businesses described AI investments as “not at all” or “not important.”

In contrast, 25% of micro companies, 21% of small and medium-sized businesses, 35% of medium-sized businesses, and 37% of large companies said that AI investments are “very important” or “very important.”

Pai warns that the lack of a coordinated national strategy is hindering the adoption of AI across the economy, but acknowledges that the government is in the process of developing it.

In November, the Polish government announced a billion Zroti investment in artificial intelligence, including the development of Polish leading language models (LLMs) launched in February. In the same month, Poland also signed a memorandum with Google to establish a “strategic partnership” on AI development.

According to the Institute, the most effective approach is to link AI development with industrial policy, prioritize the development of domestic technology, thereby reducing reliance on foreign technology.

As part of the recommendation, Pie outlines three possible approaches to shaping that strategy.

The first is a technology stack approach that focuses on the key components, hardware, network infrastructure, software and applications required for AI deployment. This model aims to map technical dependencies and identify areas of economic potential.

The second approach is to identify key sectors in the economy where AI is likely to have the most important impact.

Pie emphasizes that AI is a general purpose technology with the potential to transform virtually every industry. Therefore, decisions regarding where AI development prioritizes should be based not only on where technology can be used, but also on broader national development goals and industrial policy priorities.

The third recommended approach focuses on using AI to address key socioeconomic challenges. The Institute suggests that Poland should first focus on healthcare, energy transition and national security. [where] The use of artificial intelligence can provide social and economic benefits.”

The notes from Poland are published by an independent, nonprofit foundation run by a small editorial team and funded through donations from readers. We cannot do what we do without your support.

Main Image Credit: Emiliano Vittoriosi / Unsplash