Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the economy, accounting for around 97 percent of businesses and playing a key role in employment. In the age of AI transformation, AI and digital technologies offer opportunities for SMEs to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness. However, SMEs face a wide range of challenges, including high adoption costs, limited access to digital infrastructure, and a lack of capabilities. Moreover, for SMEs to realize the full benefits of AI transformation, it is essential to go beyond the adoption of AI technologies and ensure overall readiness in terms of infrastructure, data, human resources, and organizational capabilities.

This project will host a half-day workshop on 17 July during TEL73 in Chengdu, China. The workshop aims to identify both the opportunities and challenges associated with the AI transformation of SMEs in the region and to share how key stakeholders—including governments, technology providers, and enterprises—can support SMEs in advancing their AI transformation.