Unlocking Generative AI’s Potential: Small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) as a catalyst for growth and workforce transformation

Unlocking Generative AI’s Potential: Small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) as a catalyst for growth and workforce transformation

Generative AI has quickly become one of the most transformative technologies of our time. With its ability to process vast amounts of data, detect patterns, and generate insight, it is poised to redefine industries and drive innovation at an unprecedented scale.

Our latest report delves into the rapidly evolving landscape of generative AI adoption, shedding light on its potential to unlock up to USD 6.6 trillion in productive capacity across 5 major global economies – the United States, Germany, India, the United Kingdom, and France. This report not only provides a comprehensive overview of AI’s economic potential but also offers critical insights into adoption trends, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

Generative AI Is Driving Businesses of All Sizes

Our research highlights how SMBs and large businesses may leverage generative AI for productivity gains, innovation, and workforce transformation. Based on a survey of 2,620 businesses across the five countries, we found that generative AI is already delivering tangible benefits:

  • 51% of businesses reported a 10% or greater increase in revenue due to AI adoption.
  • 76% of businesses reported significant time savings across various job functions.

These findings underscore the immediate and measurable impact that generative AI is having across industries, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently and enhance their competitiveness in the digital economy.

The Workforce Evolution: Adapting to AI-Driven Growth

With the rise of generative AI, businesses are rethinking their workforce strategies to harness its full potential. Our report highlights the key outcomes of this shift in generative AI-related workforce planning strategies:

  • Nearly one-third of businesses plan to increase hiring to expand headcount.
  • Another third of businesses plan to focus on retention to build AI-ready teams.
  • The demand for technical, creative, and customer-facing roles is expected to surge.

To navigate this transformation, companies are investing in workforce training initiatives, prioritising upskilling and reskilling efforts to ensure employees are prepared for AI-integrated work environments. That said, among a range of barriers, businesses face workforce challenges that hinder their ability to fully leverage generative AI. Addressing this barrier, along with others like security concerns and regulatory uncertainties, will be crucial.

The Future of Generative AI in Business

The findings from our report indicate that generative AI is not just a passing trend – it is a fundamental shift in how businesses operate, compete, and create value. As adoption accelerates, companies that proactively embrace AI-driven strategies will be better positioned to capitalise on the opportunities ahead.

To learn more about the economic potential of generative AI and how businesses are adapting, download our full report.

Download the full report

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