Artificial Intelligence in German establishments: One in four has adopted generative AI

Abstract

"Generative AI has the potential to transform the economy, but how widely is it already being used? Based on the IAB Establishment Panel, the share of German establishments using generative AI increased almost fivefold, from 5 percent in 2023 to 24 percent in 2025. Use is most common among large establishments, young establishments, and those in knowledge-intensive services. Most users rely on freely available generative AI tools, while only a minority train their own models. Nevertheless, around half of all establishments using generative AI have already made financial investments in the technology. Among users, about half offer or plan to offer AI-related training for their employees. A similar share have introduced or plan to introduce rules governing AI use in the workplace." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Friedrich, M. & Kagerl, C. (2026): Künstliche Intelligenz in deutschen Betrieben: Jeder vierte Betrieb nutzt mittlerweile generative KI. (IAB-Kurzbericht 08/2026), Nürnberg, 8 p. DOI:10.48720/IAB.KB.2608