Are Czech companies slow to embrace AI?
A recent survey by the Czech Chamber of Commerce reveals that nearly 70% of Czech companies have yet to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in their operations. However, over a third plan to integrate AI within the next three years, suggesting that businesses are slowly warming up to the technology.
Positive Signs Despite Slow Start
While Czech companies may appear hesitant compared to some European counterparts, the survey's findings surprised analysts at the Chamber of Commerce in a positive way. Roman Renda, an analyst at the Chamber, explained:
“We see the results of our survey as a relatively positive surprise because we follow surveys from institutions like Eurostat or the Czech Statistical Office, and our survey showed slightly better results,” Renda said.
However, he pointed out a key distinction in the survey's methodology. “We didn’t look at how companies use AI—whether it’s through tools like ChatGPT to assist employees or more sophisticated applications in production processes. This might explain the discrepancy between our survey and those conducted by other institutions.”
Lagging Behind European Leaders
Despite the optimistic interpretation, Czechia still trails many EU countries in AI adoption. A European Commission survey ranked Czechia in the lower half of EU countries, far behind leaders such as Denmark, Finland, and Germany. Given that many Czech businesses export to Germany, this lag raises concerns about competitiveness.
When asked why Czech companies might be slower to embrace AI, Renda pointed to structural differences in the economy. “It could be because our economy is dominated by industries where there isn’t much room for AI implementation yet. Additionally, economic challenges in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent energy crisis and inflation spike, may have limited resources for investment in AI,” he speculated.
AI Adoption Varies by Sector
The survey highlights significant differences in AI adoption across industries and company sizes. According to Renda, AI implementation is more prevalent among service-oriented businesses and larger enterprises: “At this moment, AI implementation more often happens in companies operating in services. In terms of size, it’s mainly large and medium-sized companies that are leading the way,” he noted.
In contrast, small and micro-enterprises have been slower to adopt AI, with nearly half indicating no plans for future implementation. This trend underscores a digital divide that could widen if smaller businesses fail to keep pace with technological advancements.
Looking Ahead
While the pace of AI adoption in Czechia may be gradual, the survey suggests that change is inevitable. As businesses recognize AI's potential to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance productivity, the coming years are likely to witness broader implementation across sectors. For now, AI in Czechia mirrors the early days of the internet—a promising technology whose benefits are slowly gaining recognition but have yet to fully materialize across the business landscape.
