A majority of businesses in the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region are already using AI, according to a new study by CMS.

The CMS Digital Horizons: Responsible AI report found that 84% of CEE companies are using AI systems, with 60% of businesses currently investing in AI tech and 20% saying they plan to do so. IT businesses have the highest level of AI adoption (74%), followed by telecoms and media (55%), banking and finance (47%) and retail and e-commerce (40%).

Despite the size of adoption, the level of use varies. Some 17% of survey respondents said they are ‘heavy users’ of AI, compared to 43% who just use it ‘to some degree’.

Olga Belyakova, a partner and co-head of TMT for the CEE region at CMS, said: “Although AI is becoming increasingly mainstream, incorporating its use into standard operating practices is not always straightforward for businesses. Top of agenda for companies is the need to identify who is going to be responsible for implementing new AI systems so that everyone can use them consistently and compliantly.”

This is especially important, Belyakova notes, given that the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA) will apply significant financial penalties for infringements – up to €35m or 7% of global annual turnover.

“As a result, I expect many will go above and beyond in terms of compliance, to ensure they stay on the right side of these new regulations,” she added.

As many as 94% of respondents also said that more AI knowledge and training is needed, with 40% adding that training is key to their response to the AIA coming into force. Only 12% of survey respondents said that current AI literacy in their organisations is ‘high’, with 39% describing it as ‘low’ or ‘very low’.

Dora Petranyi, CEE managing director and global co-head of the technology, media and communications group at CMS, said: “Among its many impacts, the AIA ascribes responsibility for AI literacy education to employers. This is an important change that’s set to come into effect from 2 February 2025.

“As a result, AI training and education should be top of mind for all businesses, and we expect it will become part of induction training for all organisations. Although prescribed by these regulations, getting this training right represents an exciting opportunity for businesses to maximise the impact of AI.”

The report was based on a survey of 100 companies across the CEE region.

Earlier this month, a report from Thomson Reuters found that 62% of corporate counsel believe they should be using AI technology to support their work, with 43% of respondents planning to adopt legal industry-focused AI over the next three years.