European SMEs are accelerating investment in artificial intelligence as economic uncertainty and competitive pressure push businesses to boost productivity, according to new research from Sharp Europe. But the study also suggests that, despite rising confidence, many companies doubt their workforce’s readiness to use the technology effectively.
A survey of 2,500 SME leaders across 10 European markets found that 72% of UK SME owners trust AI more than they did a year ago, with 52% citing the economic climate as a key driver for faster adoption. Just over half say they feel pressure to keep pace with competitors already embedding AI into daily operations.
Yet, even as uptake increases, 55% of UK leaders worry that their business is still not exploiting AI as much as it could. Nearly half, at 43%, say they need clearer guidance on how to deploy the technology securely and efficiently.
Roland Singer, Vice President of IT Services at Sharp Europe, says AI has shifted from being a back-office experiment to a core component of how SMEs operate. “We have reached a turning point. Businesses are no longer asking whether they should use AI, but how quickly and effectively they can scale it,” he says.
Sharp’s research indicates that 64% of SME owners believe AI is now fully embedded in their business. More than half think the technology will create opportunities for staff to develop new skills. Even so, concerns persist: 35% of leaders say employees are anxious about lacking the technical skills required, while 34% report mistrust of AI-generated outputs. A third believe staff worry that using AI may be perceived as taking an easier route.
In response, almost four in ten SMEs have already trained their entire workforce on AI tools. Others are investing in data security, new licences, and governance frameworks aimed at ensuring responsible use.
Mark Williams, Chief Operations and Technology Officer at Sharp UK, says that while domestic SMEs are embracing the technology, many are still at the foothills of building long-term capability. “For many UK organisations, the tools are in place, but internal know-how can be strengthened. Training, clear policies, and secure data practices are now essential. The next frontier lies in more advanced, agentic AI tools that shift the focus from testing technology to executing tasks at scale,” he says.
Sharp UK supports businesses adopting AI through its Copilot Consulting service, which provides a structured framework for secure implementation, including data audits, tailored training programmes, and ongoing performance reviews.
The report comes as Sharp launches a new brand proposition positioning itself as a technology partner, reflecting its expansion into IT services, managed print, audio visual, and workplace design solutions.
The research, conducted by Censuswide between 17th June and 25th June, surveyed SME owners in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK.
There’s plenty of other editorial on our sister site, Electronic Specifier! Or you can always join in the conversation by visiting our LinkedIn page.
