European small businesses rush into AI without basic digital tools, study shows

8 October (Reuters) – According to a study published on Wednesday, most European small and medium -sized enterprises give priority to basic digital vehicles for artificial intelligence systems and lost the ground for larger companies that invest in nuclear digital systems.

While large companies steadily adopt AI software and scaling investments, small businesses in Europe often lack relevant expertise and digital infrastructure.

Companies are turning to this technology to automate tasks and reduce costs, which results in business cuts that shake all industries.

The survey conducted by the French Fintech Qonto found that 46% of European SMEs used AI tools such as daily chatgpt, but only a portion of them implemented digital accounting, video conferences, data analysis or digital document management.

Qonto says this inconsistency causes a striking paradox that can threaten the future of the economic backbone of Europe.

The report was held with Appinio, a research company after 1,600 senior decision makers in France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

According to the report, two out of five businesses feel unprepared for digital transformation representing 10 million companies throughout Europe.

While France struggles with an inadequate equipped feeling for the digital shift, 76% of Germany feel well prepared.

“Although AI offers exciting opportunities, we believe that European enterprises will have to create strong digital foundations that can support long -term growth and innovation targets of European enterprises.” He said.

The questionnaire shows that targeted interventions can help to close Europe’s digital gap.

It can strengthen its competitiveness against better equipped competitors by using AI to reduce regulatory burdens in Germany, to address skill scarves in Spain, to overcome cultural resistance in France, to reduce costs and to facilitate operations. (Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro; Editing by Matt Scuffham)