Wednesday, 14 October 2026
German companies are increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence into their operations, although the development of internal safeguards has not kept pace with adoption. A survey published by international credit insurer Atradius on 13 October 2026 found that 66% of participating businesses were either using AI in established operations or evaluating applications through trial programmes. However, only a quarter had introduced formal policies governing employee use, highlighting a growing difference between technological investment and corporate oversight.
The research, conducted in September among approximately 300 German companies, found that 19% had incorporated AI into regular business activities, while another 47% were testing potential applications. Employees at approximately half of the participating organisations reportedly use AI tools daily or several times a week. Only one in ten companies indicated that the technology was not being used, suggesting that AI has already become a familiar component of working practices across a broad range of industries.
The strongest adoption has occurred in business functions where companies can achieve relatively immediate improvements in productivity. Marketing and content production accounted for 43% of reported applications, followed by data analysis at 27% and financial administration at 26%. Approximately 73% of respondents identified greater efficiency as a principal benefit, while 67% highlighted the reduction of repetitive administrative work. By comparison, only 7% viewed AI as an important opportunity to develop new products or commercial activities, indicating that businesses remain focused primarily on improving existing processes.
Frank Liebold, Country Director Germany at Atradius, noted that companies are increasingly comfortable using AI for everyday assignments but have been slower to establish consistent organisational standards. The survey suggests that this emphasis on operational improvements will continue over the next two years, particularly in marketing, customer service and administration. Manufacturing and logistics applications received comparatively less attention, despite the potential for automated planning, forecasting and operational analysis.
Investment expectations remain generally positive. More than half of the surveyed businesses anticipate increasing their expenditure on AI during the next twelve months, although approximately one-quarter have no immediate spending plans. The employment outlook is more cautious than predictions of widespread automation might suggest. Some 44% expect AI to change existing responsibilities without reducing staffing levels, while 32% anticipate the replacement of individual activities. Only 9% expect the technology to result directly in job reductions.
Corporate governance represents one of the clearest weaknesses identified by the research. Just 14% of participating businesses provide approved AI applications across their entire organisation, while 33% reported having no officially licensed systems. Paid versions of ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot were among the platforms most frequently made available to employees. Nevertheless, only 25% had introduced compulsory usage policies, and 28% indicated that they currently saw no requirement for formal guidance.
Training arrangements reveal similar inconsistencies. Approximately 43% of respondents provide internal AI instruction, while one-third offer no dedicated programmes. Without established procedures, employees may independently select applications and determine what information can be processed through them. This creates potential exposure when confidential financial records, customer details, contractual information or commercially sensitive documents are submitted to systems without adequate controls.
Information protection remains the principal concern among respondents. Around 53% identified privacy requirements and uncertainty surrounding legal obligations as obstacles to wider AI adoption, while 49% highlighted cybersecurity and data security. Approximately one-third pointed to insufficient technical expertise or difficulties incorporating AI into existing software and business infrastructure. These challenges suggest that the next stage of adoption may depend as much on organisational readiness as on improvements in the technology itself.
For the commercial property and construction sectors, the findings have implications for companies handling large volumes of financial, contractual and operational information. Developers, investors, property managers and consultants increasingly have opportunities to apply AI to document assessment, market research, financial modelling, tenant communication and administrative processes. However, the accuracy of automated outputs, confidentiality of transaction information and management of employee access remain important considerations when introducing these systems into professional workflows.
The Atradius survey covered businesses operating in construction, building materials, automotive manufacturing, financial services, technology, transport and other industries. Participating companies ranged from smaller enterprises with annual revenues below €5 million to organisations generating more than €1 billion. Although the findings do not provide a separate assessment of the real estate industry, they indicate a broader change in corporate technology adoption. As AI becomes more widely embedded in daily operations, companies face increasing pressure to establish clear responsibilities, improve employee training and ensure that technological efficiency does not come at the expense of information security.
