UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE CONTEXT OF SMEs

This study provides a systematic review of the literature on the operationalization of artificial intelligence (AI) within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), aiming to develop an integrated conceptual framework for understanding AI adoption. The findings indicate that Technological readiness plays a pivotal role, with SMEs requiring knowledge of AI applications, methods, and capabilities to adopt AI effectively. AI adoption yields diverse outcomes, including enhanced operational efficiency, improved customer engagement, and greater innovation, but these vary based on industry, firm size, and resource capacity. The study emphasizes that AI is not a unitary concept but a multi-dimensional construct, with operationalization requiring alignment with organizational dynamic capabilities. This review offers a framework for understanding AI adoption, helping to bridge fragmented findings in the literature.