What share of SMEs plans AI or GenAI within 1-2 years?

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32% of Hong Kong SMEs Plan AI/GenAI Adoption Within Two Years

A recent survey indicates a significant portion of Hong Kong's Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are looking to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) into their operations. Specifically, 32% of surveyed SMEs have plans to adopt these technologies within the next one to two years, signalling a growing momentum towards digital transformation. This forward-looking adoption is occurring alongside existing AI usage, with approximately 23% of enterprises already employing AI or GenAI in their business processes.
AI Adoption Concentrated in Accessible Use Cases

Currently, the application of AI within Hong Kong SMEs is primarily focused on areas perceived as more accessible. Marketing and content creation emerge as the leading use case, with 56% of SMEs utilising AI in this domain. Customer service also sees substantial adoption, at 42%. Other areas where AI is being applied include sales support (35%) and data analysis (30%). However, the adoption rate for more advanced applications, such as process automation or workflow improvement, remains limited at 14%, suggesting that AI integration is still in its nascent stages for many businesses.
Capability Gaps Hinder Broader AI Implementation

Despite the growing interest, a considerable number of SMEs, around 45%, have not yet implemented any AI technologies. The primary obstacle cited by over half of these businesses (57%) is a lack of relevant knowledge or skills. Furthermore, 38% of SMEs reported uncertainty regarding the return on investment, while others pointed to the absence of suitable use cases (29%) or insufficient time and resources for exploration (24%). These factors collectively highlight that capability gaps and resource constraints are significant barriers to scaling up AI transformation initiatives.
Evolving Business Models and Talent Demands

The digital transformation journey for Hong Kong SMEs also involves a broader shift in business models and talent requirements. Widespread adoption of social media marketing (51%), e-commerce platforms (43%), and electronic payment solutions (50%) points towards a move to more flexible, multi-channel operational strategies. As AI adoption progresses, there is an anticipated evolution in workforce needs. Approximately a quarter of respondents believe AI will enable employees to transition to higher value-added roles, and about one in five expect an increased demand for new skills and specialised talent, indicating a gradual shift towards knowledge- and technology-driven operating models.

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What share of SMEs plans AI or GenAI within 1-2 years?

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