January 6, 2026, 11:26 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Technology, especially artificial intelligence, is already shaping the daily lives of many people. For the study “Tech Compass 2025,” Bosch surveyed 11,000 people in seven countries about their attitudes toward AI: Germany, China, the U.S., India, the UK, France, and Brazil. Germany stands out in the results.
AI is considered the most influential technology of the next ten years worldwide: Globally, 67 percent of respondents agree, and in Germany, it’s even 72 percent—the highest value among all the countries surveyed. However, Germany remains skeptical: While AI is seen as particularly impactful, practical use is often cautious.
AI as a Key Technology
In general, awareness of AI’s relevance is also present in Germany. About 60 percent of respondents in Germany believe that AI skills will be important for their daily lives in the future. Globally, this figure is significantly higher at 71 percent, with China even reaching 91 percent.
The gap widens in the workplace. Worldwide, 56 percent already consider AI skills important for their jobs, but in Germany, it’s only 41 percent. India leads with 83 percent. Consequently, AI is rarely used in Germany: 55 percent of German respondents say they do not use any AI tools at work. Globally, this share is 47 percent.
Continuing Education as a Weakness
The view on continuing education is particularly critical. Globally, 82 percent of respondents plan to further educate themselves in AI, mostly through self-study. In Germany, the willingness is significantly lower: Only 47 percent rely on independent learning, while 33 percent even say they have no plans for further education.
Companies also invest comparatively little. Three-quarters of German employees have not yet received any AI training. Globally, this figure is 61 percent. This directly affects skill development, usage, and trust in the technology.
Skepticism Toward AI
The study shows that Germany not only uses AI more cautiously but also evaluates it more critically. Forty-three percent of respondents in Germany see AI as the greatest technological threat to society. Globally, this figure is 34 percent. Conversely, only 34 percent of Germans surveyed see AI as a technology with a particularly positive societal contribution—worldwide, it’s 43 percent.
Germany also stands out for its skepticism about future questions. Only 31 percent believe it’s possible for AI to win a Nobel Prize one day. Just 20 percent support allowing AI systems to have their own patents. And only 36 percent can imagine AI being used to resolve political conflicts. In India, these figures are each well over 70 percent.
Education Under Pressure
Respondents are particularly critical of the education system. Only 31 percent of Germans believe that schools and universities adequately prepare for a job market with AI. Globally, this figure is 48 percent, and in China, it’s 78 percent.
However, this is not how it should remain. Fifty-seven percent of Germans advocate for introducing AI as a standalone school subject. Worldwide, approval is 63 percent, and in China, it’s 84 percent. The desire for more AI education is there—but implementation lags behind.
Technology Between Progress and Skepticism
Technological progress is still viewed positively worldwide, but approval is slowly declining. Globally, 69 percent of respondents agree that technology makes the world a better place. Compared to the previous year, this figure has decreased by one percentage point. In Germany, approval is significantly lower at 57 percent.
At the same time, many people associate technological developments with concrete solutions, such as in climate change. Worldwide, 71 percent of respondents are convinced that technological progress will play a key role. This figure is at the level of the previous year but is declining compared to 2023. In Germany, 68 percent share this view.
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Asia Sets the Pace
A clear trend runs through the study: Asia, particularly China and India, approaches technology much more openly. There, technology is seen as an economic driver and strategic advantage. Germany, on the other hand, recognizes the influence of AI but approaches it with greater caution, stronger risk awareness, and less practical use.
Between Aspiration and Reality
The Bosch study reveals a tension in Germany: AI is recognized as a key technology, yet there is a lack of continuing education, practical use, and trust. This could be due not only to reluctance to change but also to complex regulations, high data protection requirements, and lengthy reform processes.
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While other regions experiment more quickly, Germany focuses more on security. This creates stability but slows implementation and may explain why expectations for AI are high, yet its use remains comparatively low.
The technological shift is foreseeable. The key will be whether Germany can move from recognition to implementation.