AI use 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. While this rate is above the German average, 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 Labour, Social Affairs, Equality, Integration, Diversity and Anti-Discrimination, revealed important data on the digital transformation process of the business world in the capital.

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

While 25% of businesses in Berlin only utilize generative AI solutions, 6% use both generative and traditional AI technologies. The remaining 3% benefit solely 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 AI in their current fields of activity.

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

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

Kızıltepe stated that the question of how to integrate artificial intelligence efficiently and correctly has become more important than whether it will be used or not.

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

Skilled labor shortage continues in Berlin

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

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

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

Kızıltepe stated that artificial intelligence alone would not solve the skilled labor problem but could help utilize the capacity of existing employees more efficiently.

Kızıltepe stated that artificial intelligence could support employees by directing them towards more creative, analytical, and human-centric tasks, adding that if used correctly, the technology would create a significant advantage for businesses.

AI training remains 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 participation rates of highly skilled employees were approximately twice as high compared to unskilled employees.

However, only 31% of businesses using artificial intelligence provide AI training to their employees.

Kızıltepe stated that continuous training is of great importance in the technological transformation process 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 its 2035 Skilled Workforce Strategy, adding that artificial intelligence does not diminish the value of employees but rather can help them use their expertise more effectively.

AI rules not yet widespread in workplaces

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

In Berlin, only:

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

Kızıltepe stated that collective bargaining agreements and employee representation are critically important for protecting fair working conditions in the age of artificial intelligence.

Kızıltepe emphasized the need to establish rules that ensure AI supports employees rather than replacing them, stressing that both a skilled workforce and fair working conditions are necessary for strengthening Berlin's economy.

Digital transformation gains momentum in Berlin's economy

The Berlin Business Panel 2025 showed that AI use in the capital is above the German average, but businesses still have significant shortcomings in training, employee participation, and regulation during the technology adaptation process.

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