SMEs don’t know where to start with digital tools and AI

More and more European SMEs want to implement digital tools and AI, but a new report from team.blue shows that a lack of clarity, trust, and guidance severely hinders adoption. Established companies, in particular, struggle to adapt.

According to the Digital Maturity Report, team.blue surveyed over 8,200 companies in more than 30 European countries. Of the respondents, 30 percent say they don’t know which digital tools to use. Another 26 percent indicate they lack the necessary knowledge or skills. Among companies that have existed for more than ten years, over 60 percent show resistance to AI adoption.

“The development of technology, and AI in particular, puts pressure on small businesses’ ability to keep up,” says Claudio Corbetta, Group CEO of team.blue. According to him, ambition is high, but “a gap in understanding and perception” is emerging.

Uncertainty

AI is gradually finding its way into smaller businesses. One-fifth of respondents already use AI intensively. Another 30 percent are experimenting with it. Yet, 25 percent have no plans to use AI. Among older companies, that proportion rises to 60 percent.

A lack of trust plays a significant role in this. Almost half of the respondents trust work produced by AI less than work done by humans. Concerns mainly revolve around security, accuracy, and brand image. At the same time, more than half believe that AI can provide a competitive advantage. However, over 22 percent believe they don’t have enough knowledge to truly get started with it.

Respondents give their confidence in choosing and using digital tools an average score of 6 out of 10. Many SMEs perceive digital technology as complex and time-consuming. One-fifth primarily encounters limited time and resources.

Guidance

The demand for guidance is louder than the demand for new tools. 26 percent explicitly state they lack the right knowledge or skills. Half of the companies expect progress through step-by-step support. Additionally, 42 percent ask for help in choosing suitable tools. 38 percent need training and workshops.

“Digital tools only have value if they empower the user,” says Jonas Dhaenens, founder and chairman of team.blue. He observes that Belgian SMEs recognize the potential of AI but struggle to determine which solutions truly support growth.