With the fourth fastest rate in Europe, the adoption of Artificial Intelligence by Greek businesses is increasing, with the use of the technology expanding significantly within one year. By now, 47% of businesses in Greece use AI, compared with 34% in 2025, a development corresponding to an annual increase of 38%, noticeably higher than the European average of 29%.
This picture is recorded by the second annual study “Unlocking Greece’s AI Potential 2026”, conducted by Strand Partners on behalf of Amazon Web Services (AWS), with the participation of 1,000 businesses and 1,000 citizens.
According to SEPE, the findings show that AI is gradually acquiring a strategic role in Greek business activity, although the rapid spread is not yet accompanied by a corresponding deepening in its use.
In particular, 63% of businesses describe AI as a top or high priority and 72% estimate that it plays a critical or important role in the overall business strategy. At the same time, 88% of those who have already adopted the technology report a measurable improvement in productivity, while 56% mention faster innovation cycles. Among startups, the latter percentage reaches 74%.
Despite the momentum, the transition to more advanced applications remains limited. 61% of businesses that use AI continue to focus on basic applications, such as increasing efficiency, task automation, and the use of ready-made tools. Only 17% have reached the most advanced stage, making use of customized systems, multiple models, or agentic and autonomous capabilities. However, this specific percentage has increased from 12% one year earlier.
The readiness gap for the next generation of applications is even greater. Only 19% of businesses declare themselves fully or very ready to adopt technologies such as agentic and physical AI and advanced robotics. Skills shortages are an obstacle for 48% of businesses, while 36% cite insufficient financial resources. Only 16% believe they currently possess strong AI skills.
The transition to the cloud is also accelerating
Alongside AI, the use of cloud computing infrastructure is also accelerating. The percentage of businesses using related services increased within one year from 49% to 60%, reaching 58% among small and medium-sized enterprises and 67% among large businesses. Almost one in two businesses, 47%, describes access to such infrastructure as one of the most important factors for the adoption and integration of AI.
Particularly high rates are recorded by the ecosystem of startups, where AI penetration reaches 73%, compared with 47% in the market as a whole. However, an issue of competitiveness is also emerging: 41% of startups state that they would consider the possibility of leaving Europe in order to gain better access to funding, larger markets, and faster growth opportunities.
Finally, the use of AI is also expanding among citizens. 82% say they are familiar with the technology, 29% use related tools daily, and an additional 27% at least once a week. At the same time, 57% believe that AI will improve their daily life within the next year, an indication that the technology is gradually moving from the stage of initial familiarization to broader everyday use.