Artificial intelligence will enter a new era next year, shifting from a useful technology into a genuine digital companion, according to a new study by Microsoft. The report suggests that Hungary is adapting well to this transition and has the infrastructure needed to catch up with Western and Northern European leaders in AI adoption.
Quoting Managing Director of Microsoft Hungary Gabriella Bábel, the company said AI use gained strong momentum in Hungary in 2025, particularly among large enterprises. This acceleration reflects a broader transformation in how organizations approach innovation and digital tools.
Microsoft’s data shows that AI penetration in Hungary has increased by nearly 28 per cent, exceeding the EU average and placing the country among regional frontrunners. However, adoption levels still lag behind Western and Northern Europe, where penetration typically reaches 40–50 per cent.
Bábel emphasized that AI is no longer the exclusive domain of major corporations. As access to the technology expands, innovation itself is becoming more democratic, enabling startups and public institutions to strengthen their AI capabilities. In the future, she said, innovation will not require in-house research and development teams, but rather cloud connectivity and the ability to integrate AI into everyday workflows.
The study forecasts that by 2026 AI will fundamentally reshape the way people work, create and solve problems. Instead of merely providing answers, AI systems will collaborate with users, complementing human knowledge and significantly expanding individual and organizational capabilities.
The impact of this shift is expected to be felt across nearly every sector. In scientific research, AI is set to function as a digital laboratory assistant, while in quantum computing, hybrid AI-driven approaches could unlock breakthroughs once considered unattainable.
Microsoft also predicts the rise of AI agents acting as digital colleagues, capable of executing tasks assigned by humans. These agents could help organizations strengthen security and respond more effectively to emerging threats, reinforcing AI’s role as an active partner rather than a passive tool.
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