PwC Poland report

Ready for artificial intelligence

Raport AI PwC
  • 16 minute read
  • Feb 28 2025

The significance of AI (Artificial Intelligence) to companies, individuals, and even entire nations cannot be overstated. For professionals engaged in leveraging new technologies for business, this moment of transformation is undeniably exciting. However, amid the vast sea of information, there is a noticeable lack of a systematic approach to understanding what consumers and business representatives truly think about this revolution. The following PwC report represents the first effort in Poland to address these questions.

Report: Ready for artificial intelligence

Main conclusions Expectations of Polish consumers and businesses

Consumers


Business


Readiness

High awareness and adoption

Customers are ready for AI; they are familiar with the technology and actively use it. Across all surveyed age groups, at least 50% of participants were aware of Generative AI (GenAI).

Early implementation stages

Over 75% of companies have started investing in AI. However, few have advanced production applications, with most projects still in the early stages.

Added value

High expectations for technology and business impact

Consumers expect AI solutions that simplify their lives. Over 55% stated they would use AI to handle tedious tasks and procedures.

Significant investments

Companies are investing in AI, expecting substantial improvements and returns on investment. Currently, 55% of organisations have a defined AI strategy or are working towards developing one.

Challenges

Concerns about data privacy and consent

Consumers remain worried about data privacy and the potential for leaks. Despite these concerns, many are eager to use GenAI at work, even if company regulations prohibit it—over 80% admitted to using GenAI despite a lack of official approval.

Security, compliance, and talent

Companies are concerned about data privacy and face challenges in implementing processes to ensure security. Additionally, a shortage of AI specialists presents a significant barrier, with 69% of organisations reporting difficulties in recruiting experts.

Polish business and artificial intelligence Success in AI stems from integrating several key components

Research shows that companies that benefit most from AI implementation do not solely focus on data and technology. Instead, they harmoniously integrate AI across six specific areas:

Success in AI stems from integrating several key components

Strategy – Defining the role of AI solutions in the target operating model

Business – Identifying and evaluating use cases for AI

Culture and talent – Talent acquisition and skills development

Governance – Managing AI responsibly and in compliance with the law

Technology – Adapting IT architecture for AI and implementing ML and AI models

Data – Managing data, assessing data quality and enabling data monetization

AI strategy will accelerate success

An AI strategy is a comprehensive roadmap that enables organisations to integrate the necessary components for building AI solutions. A well-defined AI strategy makes projects more efficient and provides a competitive advantage.

55%

of organisations have a defined AI strategy or are working towards developing one

Does your organisation have a defined strategy (for the next 3-5 years) for the use of AI and advanced data analytics?

Businesses see the greatest added value in process automation and improving prediction quality

>75%

of companies have started investing in AI. However, few have advanced production applications

Across all industries, process automation and predictive analytics are seen as the most critical areas of AI development. Nearly half (48%) of the surveyed companies already use predictive analytics. 

The retail and financial sectors are at the forefront of AI adoption, with over 80% of companies investing in AI solutions. In the retail sector, the primary application of AI lies in customer interactions, particularly through virtual agents and sentiment analysis. In contrast, the financial sector focuses on process automation. At least half of these organisations already rely on AI to support business decision-making.

The main goals of implementing AI-based solutions

The shortage of AI specialists poses a significant threat to Polish companies' plans to adopt new technologies

69%

of respondents report that their companies lack sufficient AI experts

The financial sector fares the worst, with only 10% of companies stating that they employ an adequate number of qualified specialists. The retail sector shows slightly better results, with 23% of companies claiming to have enough skilled employees.

Additionally, nearly 70% of organisations have not conducted an analysis of their employees' competencies related to artificial intelligence development. On the other hand, 64% of organisations have already prepared or plan to establish career and development pathways for employees involved in AI initiatives.

Artificial intelligence has impacted all consumer groups, regardless of age

>60%

of respondents are familiar with generative AI

More than 60% of respondents are familiar with generative AI, with awareness reaching 76% among 18–24-year-olds. 

Consumers’ needs regarding AI usage are remarkably similar. Most are searching for information and decision-making assistance. However, younger people frequently use AI to support learning (56%), while older individuals primarily rely on AI to search for information (78%).

What we want!


Daily life

Vacation planning
%
Reducing tedious tasks
%

Business

Virtual fitting rooms
%
AI-powered robots in physical stores
%
Insurance premium calculations
%

Public sector

Speeding up administrative procedures
%
Fighting climate change
%
Improving education systems
%
Supporting diagnostics and medical care
%

And to a lesser extent...


Daily life

Fully autonomous cars
%

Business

Recruitment processes
%
Generating media content, such as news articles
%
Assessing creditworthiness
%

Public sector

Biometric identification
%

While AI adoption is advancing rapidly, consumers remain uncertain about some solutions and their implications. Key concerns include a lack of inclusivity and oversight. As many as 75% of respondents fear that AI could lead to social exclusion, while 80% worry it may contribute to the spread of disinformation. Despite these concerns, many are eager to use GenAI at work, even if company regulations prohibit it—over 80% admitted to using GenAI despite a lack of official approval.

Methodology

Consumers

Survey on the use of artificial intelligence in everyday and professional life:

Number of respondents: 1,108

Study period: Spring 2024

Respondent profile:

  • Five age groups

  • Includes both individuals who use generative AI and those unfamiliar with the topic

Business

Survey examining the level of use of artificial intelligence in organisations:

Number of respondents: 115 companies in Poland

Study period:  May - June 2024  

Respondent profile:

  • A broad cross-section of companies, ranging from large enterprises (over PLN 2 billion in annual revenue) to smaller firms (up to PLN 200 million in annual revenue)

  • Representing nine industries

  • Primarily executives and experts in technology and data analytics

Who is ready for AI?

Expectations of Polish companies and consumers

Skontaktuj się z nami

Jakub Borowiec

Jakub Borowiec

Partner, lider zespołu Analytics & AI, PwC Polska

Tel.: +48 502 184 506

Michał Targiel

Michał Targiel

Partner, PwC Polska

Tel.: + 48 519 507 138

Marcin Makusak

Marcin Makusak

Partner, PwC Polska

Tel.: +48 502 184 718

Michał Kucharczyk

Michał Kucharczyk

Director, PwC Polska

Tel.: +48 519 506 558

Michał Gamrot

Michał Gamrot

Senior Manager, PwC Polska

Tel.: +48 519 504 767

Follow us