“The Apply AI Strategy rightfully highlights that only 12.6% of SMEs use AI technologies. The Strategy’s ambition to boost AI uptake among SMEs is a step in the right direction, that will need to be supported by concrete measures to ensure that Europe’s SMEs can access, trust, and benefit from AI” reacted SMEunited President Petri Salminen.
“The Apply AI Strategy correctly identifies the main barriers SMEs face: lack of skills, limited financial capacity, and a shortage of SME-tailored AI solutions”, continued President Salminen.
SMEunited underlines the good approach of the strategy addressing cross cutting challenges. AI adoption requires a simultaneous boost in skills, infrastructure, and financial support. While the Commission highlights the key role of the European Digital Innovation Hubs in this regard, SMEunited calls for these hubs to work closely with SME organisations on the ground to reach more enterprises and foster peer-to-peer learning, allowing SMEs to share successful AI models and experiences.
“Building AI literacy across Europe’s workforce must become a central priority, also to combat AI-based threats”, stressed SMEunited President Salminen. Initiatives to upskill workers and entrepreneurs, notably through AI business programmes should include hands-on, sector-specific training opportunities, not only in universities, but also in vocational education and continuous learning systems.
SMEunited also points out that trust and clarity remain key for the uptake of AI. “As already raised when talking about the Digital Omnibus, clear guidelines on the interplay between the AI Act and other digital legislation are urgently needed to ensure SMEs can implement compliant AI systems without excessive administrative burden”, explained President Salminen.
Additionally, SMEunited welcomes the Strategy’s recognition of AI’s potential in the public sector, which can help simplify procedures and reduce administrative burden “Simplification through AI would be one of the most tangible benefits for SMEs”, stressed President Salminen.
