In an era where the global economy appears to be balancing on a tightrope, the Greek business community is exhibiting remarkable adaptability. The recent EY survey (CEO Outlook Pulse) reveals a paradoxical yet promising landscape: while geopolitical tensions and inflation remain sources of concern, Greek entrepreneurs are not retreating into a passive wait-and-see stance. On the contrary, they are accelerating their investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), viewing it as the primary tool for transforming their operating models.
Resilience Amidst the Polycrisis
The Greek market, having survived a decade-long economic crisis and the recent pandemic, seems to have developed a unique defense mechanism. According to EY's findings, "cautious optimism" is not just a figure of speech but a strategic choice. Respondents acknowledge that 2026 brings new challenges, such as energy price volatility and the need to comply with stringent ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards. However, the majority of Greek CEOs (approximately 95%) state they plan to maintain or even increase investments in technological infrastructure.
The interesting element is the shift in focus from mere survival to active growth. Greek companies are no longer just looking for ways to cut costs but for tools that will allow them to create new products and services. Artificial Intelligence is at the heart of this effort, with 70% of companies stating they have already integrated some form of AI into their daily operations, whether in customer service or supply chain optimization.
AI as a Productivity Catalyst
The pivot toward AI is not a passing fad for the Greek business world. It is a conscious decision to address the problem of low productivity that has traditionally plagued the domestic economy. The energy, tourism, and financial services sectors are leading this movement. As highlighted in the survey, Generative AI is treated as a "power multiplier" that allows smaller teams to produce work that previously required massive resources.
"Artificial Intelligence is no longer an option for the future, but a necessity for the present. Whoever does not invest today risks being left out of the market tomorrow," state executives from EY Greece.
Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of partnerships. Greek entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to innovation ecosystems, collaborating with startups and academic institutions to bridge the technological gap. This "opening up" represents a significant cultural shift for a market that was previously characterized by introversion and family-centric management.
Human Capital and the Skills Gap
Perhaps the greatest challenge highlighted by the EY survey is not a lack of capital, but a lack of skilled personnel. The speed at which AI is evolving exceeds the capacity of the educational system and corporate training programs to produce executives with the appropriate skills. Greek CEOs express concern about the "brain drain" that continues to deprive the country of talent, although a slight "brain gain" trend is observed due to improved working conditions in the tech sector.
Investment in reskilling and upskilling existing staff is emerging as a top priority. Companies must convince employees that AI is not a threat to their jobs but a partner that will relieve them of repetitive and tedious tasks, allowing them to focus on creativity and strategic thinking.
Conclusions and Outlook
The EY survey concludes that Greek entrepreneurship is at a critical crossroads. Cautious optimism is justified, as the fundamentals of many companies remain strong. However, the success of the transition to the AI era will depend on three factors: the speed of adopting new technologies, the ability to attract and retain talent, and the maintenance of a stable fiscal policy that encourages long-term investment. 2026 will be the year where theoretical discussions about AI give way to tangible results, shaping the new map of the Greek economy.
