Cited by 241Impact of AI and Big Data on Business and SocietyArtificial Intelligence ApplicationsTechnology Adoption and User Behaviour

The new normal: The status quo of AI adoption in SMEs

Open access
Schwaeke, Julia, Peters, Anna, Kanbach, Dominik K., Kraus, Sascha, Jones, Paul·2025·Journal of Small Business Management

Abstract

The recent surge in the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has garnered significant research attention. However, the existing literature reveals a fragmented landscape that hinders our understanding of how SMEs use AI. We address this through a systematic literature review wherein we analyze 106 peer-reviewed articles on AI adoption in SMEs and categorize states and trends into eight clusters: (1) compatibility, (2) infrastructure, (3) knowledge, (4) resources, (5) culture, (6) competition, (7) regulation, and (8) ecosystem: according to the technology–organization–environment model. Our research provides valuable insights and identifies significant gaps in existing literature, notably overlooking trends identification as a pivotal driver and neglecting legal requirements. Our study clarifies AI implementation within SMEs, offering a holistic and theoretically grounded perspective to empower researchers and practitioners to facilitate more effective adoption and application of AI within the SME sector.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1080/00472778.2024.2379999

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143 of 143 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Authors
Schwaeke, J., Peters, A., Kanbach, D. K., Kraus, S., & Jones, P.
Affiliations
  • HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management (DE)
  • Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (IT)
  • Swansea University (GB)
Corresponding author
Jones, Paul
Venue
Journal of Small Business Management
Published
2024-08-13
Volume
63
Issue
3
Pages
1297-1331
ISSN
  • 0047-2778 (ISSN-L)
  • 1540-627X
OpenAlex
W4401536151
Cited by
241
References
144
Citations by year
2026: 144 · 2025: 93 · 2024: 4
FWCI
73.31
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Small Business Management (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (acceptedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Impact of AI and Big Data on Business and Society
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Artificial Intelligence › Artificial Intelligence Applications
  • Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Information Systems and Management › Technology Adoption and User Behaviour
Keywords
artificial intelligence adoption, small and medium-sized enterprises, technology-organization-environment framework, AI implementation, compatibility, infrastructure, knowledge, resources, organizational culture, competition, regulation, AI ecosystem, legal requirements

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