adesso: Companies demand “GenAI made in Europe”

Germany and the EU are not playing first fiddle in the global AI race. That is set to change. At the AI summit in Paris in February, the European Union announced extensive investments in the AI sector in order to catch up with global competition and strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty. Together with a clear focus on the development of safe and ethical AI, these investments are intended to help Europe become a global leader.

In its GenAI study, adesso examines how German companies currently assess Germany and Europe in terms of generative AI, how fit they see themselves and what role GenAI now plays in their day-to-day work. The IT service provider surveyed 400 managers from the German economy.

Central results of the survey:

• Companies are waiting for “GenAI made in Europe”. Respondents send a clear signal about the need for European alternatives. For 71 percent, it is important or very important that the GenAI applications that their company uses or could use were developed in the European Union. This shows a great awareness of digital sovereignty and a strong desire not to become dependent on non-European providers.
• Regulation is a necessary tool. The majority of respondents are in favor of stronger regulation of AI applications such as ChatGPT: 48% “somewhat” agree, 20% even “completely” agree. These figures show that companies not only accept regulation, but that many see it as a necessary instrument for dealing responsibly with AI and controlling potential risks.
• GenAI sentiment in Germany is brightening. Respondents rate the German economy’s preparation for GenAI as significantly better than last year. 31% currently rate it as good or very good – compared to 11% in 2024. The downside: one in three also rate the situation in 2025 as only adequate or even inadequate.
• GenAI fitness of companies is increasing. Companies now also see themselves as better prepared for GenAI. The proportion of companies that feel well or very well prepared has risen from 31% in the previous year to 50%. At the strategic level, however, GenAI is only tentatively arriving in companies. Only 59 percent have already developed an AI strategy ¬- and 18 percent of these companies are only considering classic AI.

“German companies feel increasingly well positioned for generative AI. This is a clear sign of the increasing acceptance of this technology. However, there is still a lot of catching up to do in terms of strategic use,” comments Benedikt Bonnmann, Member of the Executive Board of adesso SE and responsible for the AI business. “However, the report also highlights the need for European solutions. Companies are waiting for solutions from the EU that have what it takes to become secure and ethical GenAI applications.”

The study methodology

On behalf of adesso, the market research company HEUTE UND MORGEN surveyed a total of 400 managers in Germany about GenAI and ChatGPT in February 2025.

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Further links

👉 www.adesso.de 
👉 Study “GenAI Impact Report”

Graphic: adesso GenAI Impact Report