Artificial Intelligence in Business Management in Montería: Adoption and Benefits in the Local Context

This article offers a deep dive into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being implemented in business management in Montería, Colombia, using data collected from June 2024 to June 2025. We used a mixed-method design, surveying 400 companies from the commerce, services, and manufacturing sectors. We specifically focused on insights from managers and technology directors with over 12 years of experience. Our findings show that about 48% of companies in Montería have already adopted AI solutions, with chatbots and predictive analytics being the most popular choices. Their main motivation for this adoption is to boost operational efficiency and cut costs, which points to a very practical approach to AI's value. However, the study also pinpointed significant challenges, like a shortage of specialized AI talent and high initial investment, as the most common roadblocks. Despite these hurdles, the research highlights strong optimism among local entrepreneurs, with a large majority planning to increase their AI investments in the future. This really underscores a growing recognition of AI's potential to drive competitiveness in our region. In essence, this article contributes to the academic understanding of AI adoption in emerging economies and offers valuable insights for Montería's businesses and policymakers to create strategies that better integrate AI into the local business landscape.