Despite the geopolitical turbulence of the first half of 2026, Greek Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are showing remarkable resilience in their investment intentions. According to a new survey by the National Bank of Greece, the Investment Sentiment Index saw a marginal decline to 45 points (from 46.5), with 78% of the sector maintaining investment plans, opting to delay rather than cancel them.
AI as an Equality Catalyst
Digital upgrading remains a core priority, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerging as a unique phenomenon in the Greek market. For the first time, a digital technology appears to be compressing the traditional gap between small and large enterprises. One-third of Greek SMEs report already using AI tools in their daily operations, a performance that, according to 2025 Eurostat data, aligns Greece with the European average in professional use.
The ease of access to simple applications, such as digital assistants, allows even very small businesses to enter the AI world at a low cost. Furthermore, 41% of entrepreneurs use AI at a personal level, creating a reservoir for future professional adoption.
Tangible Benefits and Organizational Challenges
Businesses that have already integrated AI report significant advantages:
- 50% observe improvements in decision-making processes.
- 1/3 record reductions in operating costs.
- The momentum is self-reinforcing: 75% of intensive users plan further investments.
However, the survey highlights that the challenge is not purchasing a "ready-made" tool, but building organizational capacity. While 47% recognize potential for AI in customer management, only 14% currently implement it. Gradual familiarization through small experiments and the organization of internal data are essential steps for the meaningful utilization of the technology.
