Abstract The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is transforming workplaces across Europe, creating both opportunities and challenges for employees. This study examines how digital competencies and prior experience with digital technologies influence employees’ perceptions of AI and robots in the workplace, using representative Eurobarometer 101.4 survey data from 27 EU member states. Two analytical approaches, a Generalized Structural Equation Model (GSEM) and a two-level mixed-effects logistic regression were employed to capture both individual-level and cross-country variation. The results demonstrate that higher digital competencies significantly increase the likelihood of perceiving AI positively, confirming previous research on the role of digital skills in technological adaptation. Experience with digital technologies also shows a positive, though weaker, effect on AI acceptance. Notably, the interaction between digital competencies and prior experience is negative, indicating that prior experience weakens the positive association between digital competencies and favorable AI perceptions. These findings highlight the multidimensional role of competencies and experience in shaping AI acceptance and suggest that digital transformation initiatives must integrate skill development with transparent communication and ethical considerations. Policy implications include the need to prioritize digital skilling, and targeted training programs that support trust in AI-driven change.
Piotrowski et al. (2026) studied this question.