Adopting and investing in AI: evidence from euro area firms in the SAFE

Annalisa Ferrando, Sara Lamboglia, Judit Rariga and Maurice Schmidt

Economic Bulletin Boxes, 2026, vol. 2

Abstract: This box presents new information about the adoption of, and investment in, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies by euro area firms, based on the Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises (SAFE). The findings reveal that large firms, listed or venture capital-backed companies and young firms are adopting AI more frequently. Firms using AI are more likely to expect an increase in turnover and investment in fixed assets compared with firms not using AI. Similarly, they plan to allocate larger shares of their investment to AI compared with non-users, indicating a reinforcing cycle of adoption and innovation. Ownership structure influences investment patterns, with listed or venture capital-backed companies leading early-stage adoption and privately owned firms dominating at more advanced stages. JEL Classification: C83, D22, L25, O33

Keywords: AI investment; AI use; Firm survey (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-03
Note: 235236
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