Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have long been the backbone of the global economy.

They are the engine that drives innovation, job creation, and economic growth. However, SMEs are facing new challenges in the wake of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is marked by the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and other disruptive technologies.

In this article, we will explore the future of SMEs in light of an emerging trend in AI.

First, let us consider the current state of SMEs. According to the World Bank, SMEs represent over 90 percent of businesses worldwide and are responsible for more than half of all employment.

However, SMEs face a number of challenges, including limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure and regulatory barriers. These challenges can make it difficult for SMEs to compete with larger companies, which have more resources and economies of scale.

This is where AI comes in. AI has the potential to level the playing field for SMEs by providing them with access to powerful tools that were once only available to large corporations. AI can help SMEs to automate processes, analyse data, and make better decisions. This can lead to increased efficiency, productivity, and profitability.

One of the most promising applications of AI for SMEs is in the area of customer service. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide 24/7 support to customers, without the need for human intervention. This can help SMEs to provide better customer service, while also reducing costs.

Another area where AI can benefit SMEs is in marketing and advertising. AI can help SMEs to target their advertising more effectively by analysing customer data and identifying patterns and trends. This can lead to more efficient use of marketing budgets and ultimately, better results.

AI can also help SMEs to improve their operations. For example, AI-powered supply chain management systems can help SMEs to optimise their inventory levels, reduce waste, and improve delivery times. This can help SMEs to compete more effectively with larger companies, which have already invested in these types of systems.

However, there are also challenges associated with the adoption of AI for SMEs. One of the biggest challenges is the cost of implementation. AI systems can be expensive to develop and implement, which can make it difficult for SMEs with limited budgets to adopt them.

Another challenge is the lack of expertise in AI. SMEs may not have the resources to hire AI experts or train their existing staff in AI technologies. This can make it difficult for SMEs to effectively leverage AI in their operations.

In addition, there are concerns about the impact of AI on jobs. Some experts predict that AI will lead to the automation of many jobs, particularly in industries such as manufacturing and logistics. This could have a negative impact on employment levels, particularly in regions where SMEs are a major source of jobs.

Despite these challenges, the future looks bright for SMEs that are able to adopt AI. According to a recent report by Accenture, AI has the potential to add US$14trillion to the global economy by 2035.

SMEs that are able to leverage AI effectively can benefit from this growth, and potentially even outperform larger companies that are slower to adopt AI.

So, what can SMEs do to prepare for the future of AI? The first step is to educate themselves about AI and its potential applications. SMEs should invest in training for their employees and consider partnering with AI experts or consultants to help them develop an AI strategy.

SMEs should also consider starting small when it comes to AI adoption. Rather than trying to implement large-scale AI systems all at once, SMEs should focus on specific areas where AI can provide the most value, such as customer service or marketing.

They can do so by following these steps:

Identify the areas where AI can provide the most value: SMEs should start by identifying the specific areas of their business where AI can provide the most value. This may involve analysing their operations and identifying areas where AI can improve efficiency, reduce costs, or improve customer satisfaction.

Set clear goals and objectives: Once SMEs have identified the areas where AI can provide the most value, they should set clear goals and objectives for implementing AI. This may involve defining specific metrics for success, such as reducing response times or increasing sales conversions.

Start small: SMEs should start small when it comes to AI adoption, focusing on specific use cases or applications where AI can provide the most value. This may involve implementing AI in a single department or for a specific process.

Leverage existing tools and technologies: SMEs can also leverage existing AI tools and technologies, such as chatbots or customer relationship management (CRM) systems. These tools can be customised to meet the specific needs of the SME, and can provide a cost-effective way to implement AI.

Invest in training and education: SMEs should invest in training and education to ensure that their employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively leverage AI. This may involve providing training programmes or partnering with AI experts or consultants.

Monitor and measure performance: SMEs should monitor and measure the performance of their AI systems to ensure that they are achieving their goals and objectives. This may involve tracking metrics, such as response times, customer satisfaction, or sales conversions.

Finally, SMEs should be aware of the potential impact of AI on their workforce and take steps to mitigate any negative effects. This may involve re-skilling or upskilling employees to take on new roles that are more suited to an AI-enabled economy.

In conclusion, the emergence of AI presents both opportunities and challenges for SMEs. While the adoption of AI can help SMEs to compete more effectively with larger companies, it also requires significant investment and expertise. SMEs that are able to effectively leverage AI will be well-positioned for success in the coming years, but those that fail to adapt may struggle to keep up.

It is important for Ghana’s policy-makers and other stakeholders to support SMEs in their efforts to adopt AI. This may involve providing funding or other resources to help SMEs develop AI strategies, as well as promoting education and training programmes to help SMEs build the necessary skills and expertise.

In the end, the future of SMEs – in light of an emerging trend in AI – depends on their ability to adapt to a rapidly changing economic landscape.

Those that are able to do so will be well-positioned for success while those that fail to adapt may struggle to survive. The key is to approach AI adoption with caution and to be mindful of both the potential benefits and risks. By doing so, SMEs can ensure that they are prepared for the future of work in an AI-enabled economy.