Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in EU Industry:Trends analysis

Abstract

The article analyzes current trends in the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in manufacturing in the European Union. It is established that since 2018, the EU has evolved from the formation of basic regulatory frameworks to a comprehensive architecture aimed at integrating AI into economic systems, production processes, and organizational models. It was found that the share of enterprises using at least one AI technology increased from 6.93% in 2021 to 17.27% in 2025, indicating a shift from fragmented use to systematic integration of AI in production and management processes. The analysis of high-tech (KTI) and traditional (non-KTI) sectors revealed clear structural differences: in 2025, the highest levels of AI adoption among KTI sectors were recorded in pharmaceutical manufacturing (41.32%), computer, electronic, and optical equipment production (37.44%), chemical manufacturing (28.45%), electrical equipment manufacturing (25.90%), and mechanical engineering (25.45%). This reflects the high intensity of digitalization in knowledge-intensive sectors, where AI is integrated into production and innovation processes. It was determined that national AI adoption trajectories in 2021–2025 form two groups: 1) countries with a high initial base (over 10%), including Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Germany, Slovenia, Austria, Belgium, and Sweden, demonstrate stable digital transformation; 2) countries with a lower starting base, such as Estonia, Lithuania, Ireland, and Malta, show accelerated growth. For Ukraine, research priorities are justified: assessing the efficiency of digital transformation under limited resources, integrating ICT and AI into traditional manufacturing and service sectors, and identifying factors that stimulate digital innovation. The results may serve as a scientific basis for improving strategic documents on the digitalization of Ukraine՚s economy, promoting high-tech sectors, supporting traditional sectors through AI access, standardizing solutions and personnel training, and considering European regulatory approaches to integrate Ukrainian manufacturing into the EU digital space.