Europe is in the midst of an AI transformation—not just in technology, but in people. A new report, Shaping the Future of AI Talent in Europe: Strategies for Growth and Retention, developed under the StepUp Startups project, explores how Europe is building, attracting, and retaining the next generation of AI professionals.
DEEP Ecosystems is proud to be a key partner in the StepUp StartUps project, a European Commission-funded initiative aimed at reshaping Europe’s startup ecosystem. Together with Barrabes, Leibniz IRS, Startup Europe Regions Network (SERN), and EU Startups, DEEP is spearheading a two-year journey to develop data-driven insights, conduct research, and organize events to inform policy transformation.
The primary objective of StepUp StartUps is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the functioning of national and local startup and scaleup ecosystems across the EU-27 and EFTA countries. This knowledge will inform the development of data-driven policy reports on key issues and challenges facing Europe’s startup ecosystem.
A continent on the rise
Between 2017 and 2023, the EU recorded the fastest growth in AI talent concentration globally, surpassing the US and UK. Today, 0.41% of the European workforce holds AI-related expertise—more than in either the US (0.35%) or the UK (0.36%).
While London hosts the largest pool of AI engineers, Dublin now boasts the highest concentration, with 17% of engineers specialised in AI, ahead of Zurich and Berlin. This surge reflects Ireland’s long-term commitment to education, research, and ethical AI development.
Education powering the ecosystem
Europe is also becoming a magnet for AI education. The region now offers 35% of all global Master’s programmes in AI, with Germany, France, and the Netherlands leading the way. Free or low-tuition options in many EU countries enhance accessibility, making Europe a key destination for AI study and research.
Despite progress, gender imbalances persist—women make up less than 25% of AI engineering talent in most cities. And while mobility and remote work are rising, Europe still faces fragmented visa systems and competition for top-tier talent from the US and Asia.
National champions leading the way
Countries like Germany, France, and the Nordics are developing strong local ecosystems anchored by national champions—Siemens, SAP, Nokia, and Ericsson—that keep talent
Join DEEP Network
We invite you to participate in discussions that will shape the future of EU innovation. By joining our network, you can contribute to the development of supportive policies and initiatives for startups and innovators across Europe. DEEP is a group of industry leaders who inspire us to explore new trends and policy needs. Join our network to collaborate on data, exchange insights, connect with key players, and share your own perspectives.
The project is funded by the tender of the European Commission on “European Start-ups 2.0 – Taking Europe’s start-up economy to the next level through data-driven insights, research and events” with number CNECT/2022/OP/0133. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, European Commission or the Council of Europe. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.