What percentage of SMEs plan to adopt AI in the next two years?

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SMEs Show Significant Interest in Future AI Adoption

Approximately 32% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have indicated plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) or generative AI (GenAI) into their operations within the next one to two years. This forward-looking adoption rate, when combined with the 23% of enterprises that have already implemented these technologies, highlights a substantial and growing momentum towards AI integration across the business landscape.
Growing Adoption of AI Technologies

The survey data reveals a clear trend of increasing AI adoption among businesses. Currently, 23% of enterprises have already incorporated AI or GenAI into their operational frameworks. This existing adoption, coupled with the substantial segment planning future integration, signals a significant shift in how businesses are leveraging advanced technologies for growth and efficiency.
Future AI Integration Plans

Looking ahead, a considerable portion of SMEs are actively preparing to adopt AI or GenAI. A further 32% of these businesses have stated their intention to implement these technologies within the coming one to two years. This planned adoption underscores a strategic focus on harnessing AI capabilities to navigate evolving market demands and competitive pressures.
Primary AI Use Cases for Early Adopters

For those SMEs already utilising AI, the current focus is primarily on accessible applications. Marketing and content creation have emerged as the leading use case, with 56% of adopting enterprises employing AI in this area. Customer service is another significant application, adopted by 42% of businesses, followed by sales support at 35% and data analysis at 30%.
Barriers to Wider AI Implementation

Despite the growing interest, several challenges impede broader AI adoption among SMEs. A significant barrier is the lack of relevant knowledge or skills, cited by 57% of businesses that have not yet implemented AI. Furthermore, 38% of respondents expressed uncertainty regarding the return on investment, while 29% identified the absence of suitable use cases and 24% pointed to insufficient time and resources as key constraints.

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What percentage of SMEs plan to adopt AI in the next two years?

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