Companies’ Positions Survey results suggest that 2021 has become a turning point where a clear majority of German companies have realised that AI is now business-critical: even 91% believe this to be the case.
And this represents a 35 percentage point jump from just one year ago, reinforcing AI’s swift move from being an anticipated technology into a must-have strategic imperative for Germany’s industrial and economic heartland.
In March 2025, over 650 decision-makers in 18 industries were polled in a study that brought to the fore the realization among decision-makers that AI is core to their business models and future value generation.
This dramatic shift in mindset is reflected in ambitious investment intentions: 82 per cent of organisations plan to increase their AI spend over the next 12 months, with more than half (51 per cent) planning increases of 40% or more. This is a far cry from 2024, when half planned increases and 28% planned to increase budgets by 40% or more.
Hype about AI is based on a zeal for greater efficiency, innovation and opening new markets. German companies believe AI will lead to strong innovations (72%), faster data analysis (71%), higher turnovers (49%), more automation (48%) and new products and market opportunities (47%).
But while there is no shortage of interest, there are still challenges. Firms struggle with ethical issues (68%), security and compliance challenges (52%), and a sense that there is a lack of regulation (43%). While 95% are working to address responsible AI use, just 26% have a company-wide plan and many feel unprepared for rules such as the EU AI Act.
And although employee preparedness for training has surged, with 72% believing they’re well-prepared, training programs, unfortunately, aren’t quite as common. Just one in four companies has plans to invest in specific AI training programs in the next year.
Still, the consensus is unambiguous: AI is no longer a nice-to-have. The German companies are increasingly embracing it as a fundamental engine to enhance their competitiveness, efficiency, and future growth, as they know that the distance between AI adopters and non-adopters will become even larger.
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