The First AI Readiness Index 2025 for SMEs in Greece by ENTERSOFTONE and ELTRUN

ENTERSOFTONE (ES1) has taken the initiative to address one of the key questions facing the market today: How AI-ready are Greek SMEs?

The answer comes through the first nationwide AI Readiness Index 2025, conducted in collaboration with the ELTRUN Research Laboratory of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB).

The study maps the digital readiness of businesses and the business benefits associated with AI adoption. It assesses the extent to which companies use AI tools, their need for automation, the integration of AI applications across core business functions, and the gap between the perceived need for AI and its actual adoption. It also highlights the opportunities and challenges SMEs face as they navigate this transition.

“The findings of the AI Readiness Index 2025 confirm that artificial intelligence has become a necessity rather than a luxury for Greek SMEs. There is a clear willingness to adopt AI, but effective implementation requires high-quality data, organisational readiness and the right tools. The study reinforces the value of the strategic investments we are making in embedded AI solutions, which simplify complexity and give businesses the time and capacity to focus on growth,” said Giannis Salichos, CTPO of ENTERSOFTONE, commenting on the completion of the study.

Professor George Doukidis of the Athens University of Economics and Business noted:

“Artificial intelligence should not be used merely as a smart search tool, but as a new way of thinking, operating and organising businesses. It is therefore essential to coordinate and support the thousands of typical Greek businesses in making a structured and widespread transition towards the systematic use of AI, enabling them to turn knowledge into efficiency and competitiveness.”

High perceived need, a significant adoption gap, and major opportunities and challenges

The AI Readiness Index 2025 shows that the transition is already underway: one in three SMEs is experimenting with AI solutions, while only one in 20 has implemented AI tools delivering measurable results.

Key findings include:

• More than 80% of businesses consider AI useful across critical functions, ranging from finance and accounting to supply chain management.
• The use of AI for text and visual content is already widespread, but a significant gap remains between perceived need and actual readiness: only 5–6% of businesses are automating core processes, while one in 20 uses advanced tools such as programming and data analytics.
• Data quality is the biggest challenge: only four in 10 businesses have sufficient data to effectively implement AI solutions.
• Other significant challenges include adapting to an ever-changing regulatory environment, which has a particularly strong impact on the day-to-day operations of businesses in Greece.

With its leading position in the sector, ENTERSOFTONE is helping businesses across the market move forward with innovative AI solutions, empowering companies while contributing to the competitiveness, productivity and growth of the Greek economy.

Discover the findings of the first nationwide study on SME digital readiness. Download the AI Readiness Index 2025.

About the Study

• The study was conducted by the ELTRUN Research Laboratory of the Athens University of Economics and Business, using telephone interviews carried out between July and September 2025, among 350 businesses across Greece.
• The sample focused on medium-sized businesses with 10–50 employees, one of the most dynamic segments of the Greek economy, combining the challenges typically faced by smaller businesses with the growth ambitions of larger organisations.

The research was conducted under the scientific guidance of Professor George Doukidis, together with Dr Timoleon Farmakis and Dr Katerina Fraidaki, lead researchers at the ELTRUN Research Laboratory of the Athens University of Economics and Business.