Approximately 75% of SMEs in Romania and Central and Eastern Europe incorporate AI, yet the majority do not utilize it extensively.
In a recent report, it has been revealed that the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Romania is significantly lower than the European Union average. Specifically, only 2.78% of Romanian SMEs are using AI applications, compared to the EU average of 13.48%.
This underutilization of AI highlights a concerning digital divide among Romanian SMEs, despite the country's solid connectivity infrastructure and investments in critical technologies like semiconductors and quantum computing. The report also shows that only 14.8% of Romanian SMEs use cloud services and 21% use data analytics, underscoring broader challenges in digital transformation among smaller businesses.
The European Commission's Digital Decade 2025 report notes persistent R&D gaps, weak SME innovation, and low uptake of emerging technologies as limiting factors for Romania’s competitiveness. To address these challenges, initiatives like the GhidAI.ro platform, launched by ECDL Romania and the Romanian Business People Association (AOAR), aim to support SMEs with practical resources tailored to their digital transformation needs, focusing initially on AI.
Broader Central and Eastern European SMEs face similar adoption barriers, with international frameworks like the G7 AI Adoption Roadmap aiming to support SME integration of AI through better resources and training. These initiatives reflect recognition that SME AI adoption requires targeted policies and support mechanisms.
The report, titled "How are CEE SMEs finding their way in the AI world?", is the most comprehensive analysis to date of how small and medium-sized enterprises in Central and Eastern Europe are navigating the global transition to artificial intelligence. It categorizes companies into four typologies: "Practical Optimists," "Aware with Barriers," "AI Indifferent," and "Digitally Withdrawn."
In Romania, 66% of companies believe AI will transform their industry, above the regional average. However, only 44% of Romanian companies think AI will bring direct benefits to their business. The report also suggests that Romania holds a middle position in the AI landscape of CEE: open to innovation, but still hindered by a lack of knowledge, clear strategies, and digital skills.
The study reveals that only 8% of Romanian companies declare themselves prepared for an AI audit, in line with the CEE average. Moreover, only 36% of companies in Romania are aware of the provisions of the AI Act, below the regional average (39%). More than 57% of Romanian companies cite the lack of know-how as the main barrier to AI adoption.
Tomasz Snazygk, CEO of AI Chamber, made a statement regarding the report, stating that AI adoption is not just a matter of access to technology, but rather organizational maturity, leadership clarity, talent readiness, and strategic intent. Larger Romanian firms (50-250 employees) are predominantly in the "Aware with Barriers" segment, while microenterprises are overrepresented in the "Digitally Withdrawn" category.
The report does not mention any specific AI tools or technologies being used by the SMEs surveyed, nor does it provide specific details about the steps taken by the 25% of Romanian companies that have not trained their employees in AI. It is clear, however, that the region holds significant potential for AI growth in SMEs but requires sustained investment in skills, infrastructure, and support programs to overcome current adoption hurdles.
As the global AI market is projected to reach USD 4.8 trillion by 2033, a 25-fold increase from 2023, it is crucial for Romania and other Central and Eastern European countries to address these challenges and bridge the digital divide among SMEs to remain competitive in the global AI landscape.
The report emphasizes the low adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) among Romanian SMEs, despite the country's investments in critical technologies, suggesting a need for targeted initiatives like the GhidAI.ro platform to support digital transformation and AI adoption. In the global transition to AI, AI adoption among Romanian SMEs is not merely a matter of access to technology, but also requires organizational maturity and clear strategies.
