EURO 2025 Leeds
Abstract Submission

915. Is AI for big companies only? Investigating the adoption of AI in the SME sector and whether explainable AI can help

Invited abstract in session TA-33: Decision Analysis and Artificial Intelligence (AI), stream Decision Analysis.

Tuesday, 8:30-10:00
Room: Maurice Keyworth 1.31

Authors (first author is the speaker)

1. Ahmad Alhamidi
Analytics, Technology and Operations Department, University of Leeds
2. Richard Hodgett
Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds
3. Sajid Siraj
Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize organizational operations, enhancing productivity, accuracy, and profitability through various applications, such as automation and product development. Despite its benefits, AI adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remains limited. According to the Annual Report on European SMEs only 6% of SMEs implementing AI technologies due to financial constraints, lack of strategic clarity, and insufficient decision-maker support.

The research aims to identify success factors and barriers influencing AI adoption in SMEs, develop a self-assessment tool tailored for these organizations, and highlight the importance of Explainable AI (XAI) in enhancing AI trustworthiness.

We are currently employing a mixed-methodology approach, starting with qualitative interviews of organizational decision-makers to validate our research constructs. At present, thematic analysis is being used to extract key insights from these interviews. Subsequently, we will utilize advanced quantitative methods to analyze and elucidate the contribution of each identified factor to AI adoption and their importance in developing a self-assessment tool from the cross-sectional survey data. The findings will guide SMEs towards adopting AI as a competitive advantage, ensuring a structured and trust-based approach to AI integration.

Keywords

Status: accepted

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