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.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%).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.The survey classifies companies into four categories: "Practical Optimists"; "Aware with Barriers"; "Indifferent to AI"; "Digitally Withdrawn".Romania shows a balanced distribution across these categories: 21% are digitally withdrawn, 29% are indifferent, 19% are practical optimists, 31% are aware of AI potential but with barriers.In addition, two-thirds (66%) of Romanian companies believe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.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employees) dominate the 'Aware with Barriers' group, while micro-enterprises are overrepresented among the 'Digitally Withdrawn'.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.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.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.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.'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.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.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.
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