Adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in all aspects of society and the economy is a major desiderate at the EU level. Nevertheless, this demarch is influenced by a series of contexts and endowments, such as talents, sophistication, and specificity of the business models, maturity of public processes, social mindset, etc. This paper analyzes opportunities and threats associated with AI adoption in Romania, possible measures to improve the predicted outcome together with lessons learned at the global level. The research methodology includes analysis of the current situation and formulation of innovative solutions to overpass various barriers and constraints. Based on TRIZ and deep-thinking approaches we formulate novel policies to overpass the status of evolution and create a new foundation for AI development and adoption in the Romanian ecosystem, with implications at the EU level. TRIZ and the deep-thinking systematic approach reveal several healthy patterns of evolution to deviate the current course of actions toward better results and outcomes. Critical findings relevant to AI at the EU level are also underlined in relation to the conclusions at the national level.