The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Sharing Economy: Automation and Optimization

The adoption of artificial intelligence and the development of the collaborative economy represent two major directions of digital economic transformation in the European Union. This study examines the implementation of these technologies across EU countries, with a particular focus on Romania, analyzing their implications for economic competitiveness and workforce digitalization. Existing research highlights that digitally advanced countries tend to integrate artificial intelligence and collaborative platforms more rapidly. However, notable East-West EU disparities remain. To identify the key factors influencing variations in AI adoption across the EU and to assess how the collaborative economy affects digital integration in different national economies, a comparative analysis was conducted on statistical data regarding AI usage in enterprises, workforce digitalization and the evolution of online purchases on collaborative economy platforms between 2021 and 2024. The findings highlight a significant increase in AI adoption in the EU, from 8,03% in 2023 to 13, 48% in 2024, indicating an overall upward trend, although at uneven rates across countries. Notably, the comparative analysis of sharing economies in Eastern and Western Europe remains limited, representing a relevant research gap for understanding regional differences in the integration of these technologies. The conclusions emphasize the need for increased investment in digital infrastructure and technological education to reduce disparities and accelerate digital transition across the European Union.