Artificial Intelligence in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises: A Qualitative Study on Factors influencing the implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Abstract (Swedish)

Den här kandidatuppsatsen har sitt fokus på Artificiell Intelligens. Syftet är att utforska faktorer som påverkar implementeringen av AI-lösningar i små och medelstora företag (SMEs), med målsättningen att förse SMEs med värdefulla insikter om lyckad AI-implementering. Kvalitativ forskning har genomförts där empiri har samlats in genom semistrukturerade intervjuer från fem utvalda AI-experter och företagsledare. Den insamlade empirin analyserades tematiskt, vilket resulterade i sju teman som representerar forskningsresultaten. Resultaten förklaras och diskuteras med hjälp av litteraturgenomgången och Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE)-ramverket. Resultaten understryker betydelsen av AI-strategi, medarbetar-engagemang och öppenhet för att främja förtroende som kritiska faktorer för en lyckad AI-implementering hos SMEs. Forskningen belyser också potentialen att utnyttja befintliga data och behovet för SMEs att förstå hur man använder data effektivt. Snabb utveckling har skapat möjligheter för SMEs att implementera AI samtidigt som det har utlöst en brådskande nödvändighet för SMEs att utnyttja tekniken. Resultaten informerade även TOE-ramverket. Således bidrar kandidatuppsatsen till det systemvetenskapliga området genom utvecklingen av ett teoretiskt ramverk som förklarar implementeringen av AI i små och medelstora företag. Det bidrar även praktiskt genom att ge vägledning för medarbetare, organisationer och andra intressenter som utforskar användningen av AI för att uppnå sina affärsmål.

Abstract

The bachelor’s thesis focuses on Artificial Intelligence. The research purpose of the bachelor's thesis is to explore the factors that influence the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the aim of providing valuable insights regarding the successful implementation of AI for the benefit of SMEs. For this, qualitative research was conducted, where data were collected through semi-structured interviews from five purposely selected AI practitioners and experts. The collected data was thematically analysed, resulting in seven themes that represent the research findings. The findings were explained and discussed with the help of the literature review and the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework. The findings show that the importance of AI strategy, employee engagement, and openness in fostering trust are critical factors in successful AI implementation. The research also sheds light on the potential of leveraging existing data and the need for SMEs to understand how to use their data effectively. Fast AI development has created opportunities for SMEs to implement AI and at the same time triggered an urgency for SMEs to leverage the technology. The findings also informed the TOE framework. Thus, the bachelor’s thesis research contributes to the information systems field with the development of a theoretical framework that explains the implementation of AI in SMEs. It also contributes by providing guidance for employees, organisations and other interested stakeholders exploring the use of AI to achieve their business objectives.

Popular Abstract

The bachelor’s thesis focuses on Artificial Intelligence. The research purpose of the bachelor's thesis is to explore the factors that influence the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the aim of providing valuable insights regarding the successful implementation of AI for the benefit of SMEs. For this, qualitative research was conducted, where data were collected through semi-structured interviews from five purposely selected AI practitioners and experts. The collected data was thematically analysed, resulting in seven themes that represent the research findings. The findings were explained and discussed with the help of the literature review and the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework. The findings show that the importance of AI strategy, employee engagement, and openness in fostering trust are critical factors in successful AI implementation. The research also sheds light on the potential of leveraging existing data and the need for SMEs to understand how to use their data effectively. Fast AI development has created opportunities for SMEs to implement AI and at the same time triggered an urgency for SMEs to leverage the technology. The findings also informed the TOE framework. Thus, the bachelor’s thesis research contributes to the information systems field with the development of a theoretical framework that explains the implementation of AI in SMEs. It also contributes by providing guidance for employees, organisations and other interested stakeholders exploring the use of AI to achieve their business objectives.

• author: Arnarp, Elliot and Runsten, Viggo
• supervisor: Niki Chatzipanagiotou
• organization: Department of Informatics
• alternative title: Artificiell Intelligens i små och medelstora företag: En kvalitativ studie om faktorer som påverkar implementationen av Artificiell Intelligens i små och medelstora företag.
• course: SYSK16 20231
• year: 2023
• type: M2 - Bachelor Degree
• subject: Business and Economics
• keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Implementation, Technology-Organisation-Environment Framework, Sweden
• language: English
• id: 9119268
• date added to LUP: 2023-06-09 14:56:12
• date last changed: 2023-06-09 14:56:12