Nearly half of Greek businesses report using artificial intelligence(AI), according to a survey commissioned by Amazon Web Services (AWS). However, most adopters still focus on basic applications rather than advanced systems.
Strand Partners’ Unlocking Greece’s AI Potential 2026 puts adoption at 47%, up from 34% in 2025. That represents a 13-percentage-point increase, or approximately 38% relative growth.
The researchers surveyed 1,000 business leaders and 1,000 members of the public in Greece through online panels. Their findings examine both technology use and the obstacles businesses face when expanding it.
Most AI adopters favor basic applications
Among the Greek businesses that are AI adopters, 61% primarily use the technology for efficiency improvements and routine automation. Meanwhile, 22% have integrated AI across multiple business functions. Only 17% have reached the study’s most advanced category, up from 12% in 2025.
The report distinguishes everyday tools from more complex integration. Basic users rely on publicly available chatbots or ready-made solutions to streamline routine tasks.
By contrast, advanced users develop customized systems, combine multiple models, or deploy agentic and autonomous capabilities. Agentic systems can plan and execute tasks with limited human intervention. This distinction separates access to AI tools from deeper changes in how companies operate.
Businesses report benefits despite limited integration
Nevertheless, businesses report benefits from their existing applications. Among AI adopters, 88% say the technology has improved productivity, while 56% report faster innovation.
AI also features prominently in business planning since some 63% of Greek businesses describe it as a top or high priority. Meanwhile, 72% consider it critical or important to their overall strategy. These figures reflect respondents’ assessments, rather than independently audited performance gains.
Despite growing adoption, only 19% of businesses feel fully or very ready for next-generation AI technologies. These include agentic AI and advanced robotics.
Furthermore, 48% cite AI and digital skills shortages as barriers to adoption or expansion. Another 36% identify insufficient internal financial resources, while 31% report limited workforce capacity. Just 16% consider their current AI skills strong.
Meanwhile, cloud adoption has increased from 49% to 60% within a year. Such services provide computing resources, software, and data storage through online infrastructure.
Some 47% of businesses identify cloud access as an important factor supporting AI adoption and integration. Public support also matters: 66% of adopters describe grants or public programs as important to their adoption.
Startups lead adoption but consider overseas opportunities
Startups report considerably higher uptake, with 73% using AI compared with 47% across the broader business sample.
However, 41% say they would consider leaving Europe for better growth opportunities. Another 44% would not consider relocating, while 15% remain undecided.
Their stated motivations include financing, access to larger markets, and faster international expansion. These responses indicate openness to relocation, not confirmed departure plans.
The public survey also reveals a gap between personal and professional use. Among workers, 48% say their personal AI use exceeds their workplace use.
Overall, 29% of Greek citizens report daily use, while another 27% use AI tools at least weekly and businesses are increasingly treating AI as a strategic capability that drives long-term competitiveness. Yet only 18% have received specialized AI training during the past year. Meanwhile, 59% say they need further digital skills training.
The research captures reported adoption, experiences, and attitudes through online questionnaires. Strand defines business leaders as founders, chief executives, or other senior executives.
The researchers weighted the business sample by company size, assigning 94% to small and medium-sized enterprises. Mid-sized businesses accounted for 4%, while large enterprises represented 2%.
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