Majority of Romans see AI positively, yet a third express concerns about job loss, indicates research
In a study conducted by RoCoach and Novel Research in 2025, Romanians have shown a generally optimistic yet cautious perception of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on their economy, society, and employment.
The study reveals that most Romanians (64.6%) support active state involvement in professional training related to AI, particularly in strategic industries and to prevent technological unemployment. This indicates a clear expectation for the government to prepare the economy for the AI-driven transformation.
Young people aged 18–29 are particularly hopeful, with 45% viewing AI as a potential strategic pillar for Romania’s competitiveness. They advocate for government-led national strategies to promote private investment, innovation, and talent development to keep pace in the AI-driven global economy.
However, Romanians also express significant concerns about data privacy and AI's use of personal information. Nearly 70% are "very" or "moderately" concerned about how AI accesses and uses their data. There is a notable lack of trust in fully autonomous AI decision-making; only about 20.2% support decisions made solely by AI, while nearly 40% would accept AI input only if accompanied by human oversight, and 27.2% reject AI involvement entirely in critical decisions.
The study highlights a society polarized politically and digitally, with significant generational, regional, and educational disparities that could lead AI either to foster inclusion or exacerbate exclusion. Experts emphasize the need for coherent policies, grounded leadership, and decisions aligned with people’s real needs to successfully navigate the AI transition.
The findings suggest that AI can either serve as a catalyst for inclusion or become a driver of exclusion in Romania. The study was conducted on a sample of 800 individuals from urban areas, aged 18 to 64, who are professionally active and internet users.
According to Mihai Stănescu, founder of RoCoach, Romanians seek balance and protection in the integration of AI into professional life. Marian Marcu, Managing Partner of Novel Research, believes that for Romania to navigate the AI transition successfully, coherent policies, leaders grounded in reality, and decisions reflecting people’s actual perceptions and needs are necessary.
In summary, Romanians see AI as an important factor for future economic growth and competitiveness but demand strong state support in training and regulation, insistence on human oversight, and safeguards for data privacy and employment protection to ensure that AI’s integration benefits society broadly without leaving vulnerable groups behind.
The study indicates that young Romanians view Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a potential strategic pillar for Romania's competitiveness and advocate for government-led initiatives to promote AI investment, innovation, and talent development. however, there is a general concern about data privacy and AI's use of personal information, with nearly 70% of the respondents expressing concerns about data access and usage.
In their pursuit of integrating AI into professional life, Romanians seek balance and protection, as well as strong state support in training, regulation, and safeguards for data privacy and employment, to ensure that AI's impact benefits society broadly without leaving vulnerable groups behind. This indicates a significant role for Artificial Intelligence in Romania's economy, but one that is driven by alliances between technology and human oversight.
