Half of Europeans Question Tech Innovators and AI Companies

Public Skepticism Shines Through in European AI Sentiment Study

Insights from an exclusive Euronews Next investigation

The recent research, made available solely to Euronews Next, highlights that residents across several European nations are not optimistic about frontier technologies such as AI. The survey encompassed the following key countries:

• France
• Germany
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Spain

These findings suggest a broader hesitation towards emerging tech that could shape future policy and public engagement strategies.

Western European Public Confidence in Emerging Technologies Dwindles, New Survey Reveals

While corporate leaders assume widespread public enthusiasm for cutting‑edge digital tools, recent research shows that optimism on the ground is far lower.

Survey Highlights Key Findings

• Only 46 % of Europeans expressed a positive stance toward businesses deploying new technologies.
• By contrast, 79 % of business executives believed the public trusted them.
• Across five nations—United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, and Germany—the gap between business expectations and public sentiment remained consistent.

Technology Focus of the Study

The poll examined 15 frontier areas including:

• Generative AI (GenAI)
• Agentic AI
• Robotics
• Cloud computing

Implications for Innovation

Lord Chris Holmes of the House of Lords cautioned: “If public trust wanes, even the most advanced technologies will fail to reach their potential.”

Expert Insight

“Public confidence is the cornerstone for harnessing technological benefits while mitigating associated risks.”

Methodology Overview

The study surveyed 8,000 citizens and 740 business leaders, offering a robust snapshot of attitudes across the region.

Takeaway

Bridging the trust divide is essential to unlock the full promise of digital innovation and safeguard against potential downsides.

Concerns about tech’s impact on jobs

Public Skepticism Grows Over Businesses Deploying Emerging Technologies

Key Findings by Country

• France and Germany show the lowest optimism toward companies embracing frontier technologies.
• The United Kingdom ranks next, with a mild edge over its neighbors.
• In Italy and Spain, public confidence sits a touch higher, yet remains near the overall average.

The data illustrates a broadly similar trend across the continent: no nation appears genuinely excited about how businesses deploy cutting‑edge tools.

Insights from Industry Leaders

“It’s unsurprising that business leaders, even tech pioneers, are enthusiastic about frontier technologies, claiming they’ll bring efficiencies and new opportunities,” said Ute Hildebrandt, CEO of Continental Europe at Hotwire.

She noted that the public’s enthusiasm is far from matching the leaders’ optimism. “When we examine how executives perceive public sentiment, it starkly contrasts the reality,” Hildebrandt explained to Euronews Next.

Public Concerns Around Technology

Over half of respondents expressed worries about the impact of emerging tech on employment, wealth distribution, and equality. This highlights a growing disconnect between corporate strategy and societal expectations.

Guidance for Businesses

Hildebrandt emphasized the necessity for companies to communicate transparently about the purpose and use of new technologies.

• Transparency: Convey clear, concise explanations of tech initiatives.
• Action over talk: Demonstrate concrete steps rather than mere rhetoric.
• Stakeholder engagement: Incorporate dialogues with the public beyond investor circles.

“In today’s environment, being open, interactive, and genuinely accountable is essential to align business objectives with societal values,” she advised.

‘Technology is too important to leave to the tech bros’

Tech Companies and Data Privacy: A Warning and a Way Forward

Following the Facebook–Cambridge Analytica upset, industry voices call on users to stay alert and better understand how personal data is handled.

New Decentralised Platforms Are Emerging

• BlueSky gives users more control over their own data.
• These tools are especially appealing to a younger, tech‑savvy audience.

“Every voice matters; technology shouldn’t be left in the hands of a few.” – Baron of Richmond, Lord Chris Holmes

The Need for Strong Regulation

Regulators must play an active role in creating a safe digital environment and protecting users, rather than leaving the task to tech companies alone.

The EU AI Act – A Long‑Term Initiative

Although the EU launched its AI Act at the start of February, its effect on the public’s trust in artificial intelligence is limited at present. The Act feels “somewhat distant from daily life” for many EU citizens, the Baron notes. Public engagement and clear communication about how the Act applies to everyday life remain missing.

“The Act is a first step in regulation, but connecting it with real‑world impact is essential.”

Public Trust in Tech Leadership

• Only 24 % of the public trusts companies that use frontier technologies without explaining their methods.
• Trust in tech leaders is 29 % lower than in other sectors.
• Within business circles, tech entrepreneurs are seen as the most trustworthy source on cutting‑edge tech.
• For the broader European public, scientists and researchers hold the highest level of trust.

Key Takeaways

• Data privacy concerns must be addressed by both users and regulators.
• Decentralised platforms like BlueSky empower users and may shift the balance of control.
• Effective legislation must be paired with public understanding and engagement.

“Our data and decisions shape a human‑centric digital future.” – Lord Holmes