AI usage is on the rise in Berlin: One-third of businesses are working with the new technology.

The results of the Berlin Business Panel 2025 have been announced. According to the research, 34% of companies in Berlin use artificial intelligence technologies. This rate is above the German average, and experts point out that businesses need to train their employees more on artificial intelligence.

The Berlin Business Panel 2025, prepared by the Berlin Senate Department for Labor, Social Affairs, Equality, Integration, Diversity and Anti-Discrimination, revealed important data regarding the digital transformation process of the business world in the capital.

According to the research, 34% of businesses in Berlin are actively using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This rate is above the German average of 27%. Especially with the widespread use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini, the use of artificial intelligence in businesses has shown a rapid increase in recent years.

While 25% of Berlin businesses benefit only from generative AI solutions, 6% use both generative and traditional AI technologies. Another 3% benefit only from non-generative AI systems.

Despite this, 66% of businesses in Berlin do not yet use artificial intelligence. A significant portion of these businesses state that they do not see a use case for artificial intelligence in their current fields of operation.

Cansel Kızıltepe: “AI should be seen as an opportunity, not a threat”

Berlin Senator for Labor Cansel Kiziltepe called on businesses, stating that artificial intelligence is accelerating the transformation of working life.

Kızıltepe stated that the question is no longer whether artificial intelligence will be used, but how it can be integrated efficiently and correctly.

Senator Kızıltepe emphasized that artificial intelligence can increase the competitiveness of businesses and strengthen their economic position, and that businesses that do not adapt to technology risk being left behind in the future.

Shortage of skilled labor continues in Berlin

According to the results of the Berlin Business Panel, the shortage of skilled workers remains one of the most significant problems for businesses in the city.

In 2025, 34% of businesses in Berlin were looking for expert employees with vocational or academic training. However, no significant improvement was made in filling the positions offered by businesses compared to last year.

According to the research, skilled worker positions remained vacant in 52% of businesses in Berlin.

Kızıltepe said that artificial intelligence alone will not solve the skilled labor problem, but it can help utilize the capacity of existing employees more efficiently.

Kızıltepe stated that AI can support employees by directing them to more creative, analytical, and human-oriented tasks, and that the technology will create a significant advantage for businesses if used correctly.

AI training is insufficient

Another issue highlighted by the research was the vocational training rates in businesses.

In 2025, training programs for employees were organized in 40% of businesses in Berlin. The participation rate of employees in these trainings remained at 27%.

It was observed that the training rates of highly skilled workers were approximately twice as high as those of unskilled workers.

Only 31% of businesses using artificial intelligence provide AI training to their employees.

Kızıltepe stated that continuous training is of great importance in the process of technological transformation and that no employee should be left behind in this process.

Kızıltepe stated that Berlin aims to support employees in adapting to new technologies within the scope of the Skilled Workforce Strategy 2035, and expressed that artificial intelligence does not reduce the value of employees, but rather can help them utilize their expertise more effectively.

AI rules are not yet widespread in workplaces

The results of the Berlin Business Panel 2025 revealed that regulations regarding employee rights and the use of artificial intelligence in businesses also remain limited.

In Berlin, only:

  • 14% of businesses are bound by collective bargaining agreements,
  • 4% have worker or staff representation,
  • 26% of businesses using artificial intelligence have a workplace agreement, guideline, or operational instruction for the use of artificial intelligence.

Kızıltepe said that collective bargaining agreements and employee representation are of critical importance for the protection of fair working conditions in the era of artificial intelligence.

Kızıltepe stated that rules should be established to ensure that artificial intelligence supports employees rather than replacing them, and emphasized that both skilled labor and fair working conditions are needed for the Berlin economy to strengthen.

Digital transformation is accelerating in the Berlin economy

The Berlin Business Panel 2025 showed that AI usage in the capital is above the German average, but there are still significant shortcomings in training, employee participation, and regulation areas as businesses adapt to technology.

According to experts, the most important agenda items for businesses in Berlin in the coming period will include AI integration, developing employees' digital skills, and creating work models suitable for new technologies.