Czech companies continue to approach artificial intelligence with caution. While in Slovakia almost every second company is already actively using AI, many Czech firms remain hesitant – mainly due to worries about data security and technical risks.
Czech businesses are proceeding more cautiously in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) than their Slovak neighbours. This was revealed by a survey conducted in September by the software company SAP among 350 executives. While almost half of the Slovak firms surveyed already use AI actively, in the Czech Republic it is only four out of ten. The biggest obstacles identified by companies are security concerns and the risk of technical failures. Nevertheless, one in ten managers now trusts the technology enough to delegate top-level decision-making to it.
“A clear divide can now be seen in the Czech economy – between companies that are observing, testing and piloting new AI technologies, and those that still see them as a risk or an immature innovation. This gap will continue to widen. Those who start early will gain an advantage that others will find hard to catch up with,” says Hana Součková, Managing Director of SAP Czech Republic.
Currently, 41% of Czech firms already use business software with integrated AI – fewer than in Slovakia, where almost half of the companies report positive experiences. Future plans also show restraint: in the Czech Republic, only one in eleven firms considers AI a central part of its strategy, while 42% are currently experimenting with related solutions. In Slovakia, one in ten companies views AI as a key strategic element, and 46% are already actively testing it.
Concerns About Data Security Remain High
In both the Czech Republic and Slovakia, significant security concerns persist. About half of respondents see the risk of data misuse or loss as the biggest threat. There is also widespread fear that confidential company data could be misused by competitors or by the providers of AI systems. In addition, many firms fear technical breakdowns – one in three Czech companies sees this as a serious risk to their ongoing operations.
According to the survey, curiosity currently outweighs caution among Czech executives: 84% said they are following developments in AI with interest. Almost half also see reduced workload and stress as positive effects. However, a certain distance remains – only 44% show genuine enthusiasm, 55% express concerns, and almost 70% feel uncertain. One in three finds the complexity of the technology frustrating.
Focus on Efficiency Rather Than Revenue Growth
When it comes to the benefits of AI, Czech managers primarily see potential savings. 72% cite cost efficiency as the most important advantage. Only one in two believes that AI can actually generate additional revenue. The perceived time savings are considerably greater: 82% report working more productively thanks to AI. Two-thirds also confirm that the technology leads to higher-quality results.
“The added value of AI goes far beyond simple savings. The key lies in the intelligent interconnection of data, applications and AI systems across the entire company. This creates an integrated platform that enables firms to grow faster and respond more flexibly to market and customer needs,” concludes Hana Součková.
