The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) has published the report AI adoption across European strategic sectors, which examines the development of artificial intelligence (AI) across ten strategic sectors of the European Union.

According to the study, the share of companies using at least one AI technology increased from 7% in 2021 to 18% in 2025. This growth is driven mainly by the availability of more accessible and affordable solutions, particularly large language models (LLMs). However, adoption levels vary across sectors, and integrating AI into business processes remains a challenge.

Trends in AI adoption across strategic sectors

The cultural and creative industries and the media sector lead AI adoption, with 38% of companies using this technology, followed by the energy sector (34%) and electronic communications (30%).

By contrast, mobility has the lowest adoption rate, at 12%, while tourism and the agri-food sector stand at 13%. In these sectors, AI use is concentrated mainly on tasks such as marketing and sales, while its integration into production processes remains limited.

From AI tools to business processes

The report highlights that using commercially available AI tools does not guarantee deep integration into business operations. To generate greater value and improve productivity, companies need to incorporate this technology into their core processes, including production and workflows.

The study also identifies a link between organisational changes and the use of AI in production: companies that adapt their structures and ways of working are more likely to integrate this technology into their operations. This pattern is particularly evident in sectors such as energy and electronic communications.

Barriers to AI adoption

The shortage of professionals with specialised skills is one of the main obstacles to AI adoption. The report also points to regulatory uncertainty, particularly in relation to data protection and privacy.

To overcome these barriers, the JRC highlights the importance of advancing digitalisation, strengthening training and promoting organisational changes that facilitate the effective integration of AI into businesses.

Sector-specific measures are needed

The report concludes that policies designed to accelerate AI adoption must take into account the specific needs of each economic activity. Facilitating access to technological tools is important, but it is also necessary to encourage their integration into business processes and strengthen the skills required to realise their potential.

The study’s findings will help guide new measures under the European Commission’s Apply AI strategy, which aims to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across strategic sectors and improve the competitiveness of the European economy.