In July 2025 GKI conducted a survey of domestic companies about their use and spread of artificial intelligence (AI). A total of 390 firms responded, answering questions about current AI use, plans for expansion, and whether they have internal rules governing AI use.
Which sectors use AI the most?
Overall, 32% of respondent companies reported using AI-based software or applications. By sector, usage rates were highest in services (53%) and trade (42%), while industrial firms reported 29% usage and construction 19%. The survey notes that lower rates in construction and industry partly reflect the greater difficulty of integrating AI into the operational processes typical of those sectors.
Regulation and control — internal rules are uncommon
Internal regulation of AI use is uncommon: among companies that use AI, only 17% reported having any internal rules governing its application. The authors attribute this to the relative novelty of the technology and the lack of established operating models and routines in many firms.
The data also show a pattern: sectors with higher AI penetration tend to have a larger share of firms with internal regulation, suggesting that governance increases along with adoption.
Plans to expand AI use
A large majority — 88% — of companies that already use AI plan to extend their AI applications. Sector details:
- In the services sector, 97% of firms plan further development and expansion;
- In trade, 74% plan to increase AI use;
- Although current adoption is lower in industry and construction, a substantial share of the firms that already use AI in these sectors also intend to expand its use.
The survey points out that a higher share of industrial firms plan to increase use compared with trade, where AI is already more widespread.
Implications for future work processes
The strong intention to expand AI suggests many firms envision future work processes that rely frequently on AI. At the same time, the low prevalence of internal regulation highlights gaps in knowledge and uncertainty: many companies lack the necessary expertise to identify risks and to design procedures for responsible deployment and control.
The authors note that while internal rules may constrain some aspects of rapid utilization, they also provide guarantees for managing internal risks and ensuring consistent, high-quality work. Effective workplace use of AI could become an important new dimension of market competition.
Authors and research focus
- Mihályi Máté — research areas: economic policy, macroeconomics, labour market, social mobility, with a focus on Central and Eastern Europe.
- dr. Molnár László — research areas: regional disparities, current environmental challenges and labour market trends.
- Török Miksa — research areas: sustainability, economic policy, environmental and regional economics, and mathematical-statistical modelling.
The GKI survey thus indicates a clear willingness among Hungarian firms to increase AI use, accompanied by a notable shortfall in internal governance necessary for responsible deployment.
