The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Business Growth in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are very important for economic development, though they are faced with challenges for continued growth and development resulting from lack of resources, efficiency, and market accessibility. This study seeks to understand the effect of artificial intelligence (AI) on business expansion for SMEs, including data on AI adoption behavior, revenue and efficiency results, market expansion, employee and workforce productivity, and competitive positioning. Based on empirical research from diverse geographical locations, this study shows that adopting AI for business growth increases revenue performance through better customer targeting and operational optimization. Moreover, AI promotes reduced expenditure and employee productivity, resulting in efficiency gains for SMEs. However, differences in firm size, industry type, and readiness for AI technology show that medium and technology-oriented SMEs adopt AI technology to a larger extent. This research shows that despite opportunities for growth and development, SMEs are faced with constraints of financial unpreparedness and lack of technological infrastructure. This shows that for successful growth and development through AI technology, strategic implementation and employee skills are essential for continued market success and penetrability.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Iconic Research and Engineering Journals
Published
2026-02-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.64388/irev9i8-1714563
Primary Topic
Firm Innovation and Growth
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Business Growth in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Reme Ekoh, Olatunde Badmus
Iconic Research and Engineering Journals
Firm Innovation and Growth
article

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Business Growth in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Reme Ekoh, Olatunde Badmus
article en

Abstract

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are very important for economic development, though they are faced with challenges for continued growth and development resulting from lack of resources, efficiency, and market accessibility. This study seeks to understand the effect of artificial intelligence (AI) on business expansion for SMEs, including data on AI adoption behavior, revenue and efficiency results, market expansion, employee and workforce productivity, and competitive positioning. Based on empirical research from diverse geographical locations, this study shows that adopting AI for business growth increases revenue performance through better customer targeting and operational optimization. Moreover, AI promotes reduced expenditure and employee productivity, resulting in efficiency gains for SMEs. However, differences in firm size, industry type, and readiness for AI technology show that medium and technology-oriented SMEs adopt AI technology to a larger extent. This research shows that despite opportunities for growth and development, SMEs are faced with constraints of financial unpreparedness and lack of technological infrastructure. This shows that for successful growth and development through AI technology, strategic implementation and employee skills are essential for continued market success and penetrability.

Iconic Research and Engineering JournalsVol. 9(8)
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Openalex Percentile: Top 43%
Firm Innovation and Growth
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.