Swiss AI study: trends, obstacles and use in SMEs

Authored by

Nicolas Quell

February 9, 2024

In an increasingly digitalized world, companies are facing the challenge of integrating innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) into their business processes. In our latest study, we take a closer look at the use of AI in Swiss SMEs. It's not just about the results, but also about discovering the dynamic landscape and potential ways in which these companies are shaping the AI revolution.

Degree of AI penetration in Swiss SMEs

Surprisingly, the report shows that 62% of Swiss SMEs are not yet using AI applications. This underlines the immense potential that is still untapped. Among the SMEs that are using AI, 38% are focusing on active use, while 27% are testing AI applications but not yet actively using them.

Opportunities and goals of AI use

The report identifies several opportunities for AI in SMEs: from increasing efficiency and automation to data-driven insights. AI offers immense opportunities to optimize business processes and develop new, innovative approaches in marketing and sales.

Obstacles and concerns

The study also reveals the main concerns with AI implementation: Lack of data quality, lack of internal expertise, integration issues with existing IT systems, regulatory and legal challenges, high costs and employee resistance. These findings provide valuable starting points for companies looking to improve their AI strategy.

Most popular AI applications

The report highlights that progressive SMEs are already actively using AI in areas such as process optimization and marketing. The automation of workflows and the individualization of customer offers are key aspects here.

AI application reference

The study shows that Swiss SMEs tend to prefer third-party solutions for AI applications rather than driving forward their own developments. This points to an ecosystem in which partnerships and collaborations play an important role.

Budget planning for AI

Interestingly, more than half of Swiss SMEs plan to actively allocate budgets for the implementation of AI applications in the next three years. This signals a growing awareness of the importance of AI in the business world.

Conclusions: AI in the Swiss economy

The Swiss AI Report 2023 is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of AI in the Swiss economy. It not only offers comprehensive insights into the current state of the art, but also valuable insights into how companies are using AI and the challenges they need to overcome.

Discover the full report and gain deeper insights into AI implementation in Swiss SMEs. Download the Swiss AI Report 2023 now for free and learn more about the future direction and applications of AI in the Swiss business world.

The content of this article may have been improved with the help of artificial intelligence. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that all information is complete and error-free.