TL;DR

OpenAI has launched its EU Economic Blueprint 2.0, introducing an SME AI Accelerator programme to train 20,000 small businesses across six European countries in partnership with Booking.com. The initiative also includes a €500,000 youth safety research grant and expanded government partnerships through ‘OpenAI for Europe’.

Addressing Europe’s AI Capability Gap

OpenAI has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to accelerate AI adoption across Europe, responding to data showing significant disparities in how businesses and countries are utilising AI technology. The company’s analysis reveals that while the EU uses 17% more AI thinking capabilities than the global average, there’s a 40% gap between the most and least intensive member states.

According to Eurostat, AI adoption among small businesses stood at just 17% in 2025, compared with 55% for large enterprises. This ‘capability overhang’—the gap between what AI systems can do and how they’re being used—risks concentrating productivity gains in a small number of countries and sectors.

SME AI Accelerator Programme

To address this gap, OpenAI is launching the SME AI Accelerator in partnership with Booking.com, targeting 20,000 small and medium enterprises across France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Ireland, and the UK. The programme will include in-person workshops and virtual training sessions through OpenAI Academy, designed for business owners and teams with no technical background.

The initiative aims to help small businesses boost productivity and grow using AI tools, regardless of their starting technical expertise level.

Youth Safety and Government Partnerships

Alongside the training programme, OpenAI is committing €500,000 to a Youth Safety Grant Programme supporting research into child protection and digital wellbeing. The company has also announced ‘OpenAI for Europe’, expanding government partnerships across education, health, cybersecurity, and disaster response.

Looking Forward

OpenAI’s blueprint includes policy recommendations for national AI education frameworks, portable skills accreditation schemes, and systematic measurement of AI adoption at national and sector levels. The company emphasises that countries with clear strategies to better utilise AI will be those ensuring their populations can participate in the emerging AI-driven global economy.