Artificial Intelligence Readiness Among Small and Medium Enterprises: A Survey Based Assessment Framework

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an essential technology for improving business efficiency and competitiveness. However, many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) continue to face challenges in adopting AI due to financial limitations, lack of technical expertise, and uncertainty regarding return on investment. This demonstration study proposes an AI Readiness Framework and presents fictional survey data from 150 SMEs to illustrate how such a study may be structured. The findings indicate that while business leaders recognize the strategic importance of AI, implementation readiness remains moderate, emphasizing the need for affordable AI solutions, employee training, and organizational planning.