Embarking the AI journey: insights from ahedd DIH on Greece’s (potential) AI adopters

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology with strategic importance. Recognising this trait, nations worldwide intensify research and development efforts to reap the positive effects, as reflected in the increased investments both by governments and enterprises. The benefits for economic progress, organisational value and societal welfare are tangible, yet some challenges and concerns need to be addressed. According to existing studies, Greece is performing modestly in terms of AI integration, thus ahedd digital innovation hub started operating to empower the local innovation endeavours. This article presents an overview of the value and challenges of AI adoption as well as an analysis of the conversations with C-level and senior management executives that were performed through ahedd in the first 3 years of its operation (2020–2022). This analysis provides insights into Greece’s potential/early AI adopters; more specifically into the nature of the respective businesses, the technologies mostly sought and the factors that prevented them from pursuing an AI project. A deeper understanding of this landscape can support policy- and decision-makers across governmental and business functions.