Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries worldwide, presenting both transformative opportunities and significant challenges, particularly for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). These businesses often lag behind larger corporations in terms of resources and infrastructure, which hampers their AI integration. Despite these limitations, AI offers substantial benefits like improved efficiency, better customer engagement, and robust data analytics. However, SMEs face unique risks including data security issues, ethical dilemmas, and the potential displacement of jobs due to automation. Moreover, the inherent complexity of AI technologies could exacerbate the digital skills gap within these smaller entities, posing further challenges to their adoption and effective utilization.

The purpose of this research is to dissect the complex risks, opportunities, and threats AI poses specifically to SMEs. The study is designed to help SMEs navigate the challenging digital landscape by providing detailed analyses of how AI can be used to drive competitive advantage while managing the associated risks. The expected outcome is not only to identify the hurdles SMEs face in adopting AI but also to suggest actionable strategies that address these difficulties, thereby facilitating more informed and effective AI integration.

The scope of this research is geared towards understanding the precise impacts—both positive and negative—of AI on the operations of SMEs. To gain deeper insights into how SMEs can benefit from AI while mitigating risks, the research will encompass:

• AI-driven operational efficiencies and enhanced customer engagement.
• Decision-making improvements through data-driven strategies.
• Barriers to AI adoption like financial, technical, and ethical challenges.

We welcome various contributions on these topics, including:

• Articles evaluating how AI can help SMEs enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Studies exploring the ethical implications and security risks of AI in SME environments.
• Case studies detailing successful AI implementations in SME settings.
• Reviews and practical insights from industry experts on navigating AI adoption hurdles in SMEs.

Each submission will contribute to building a comprehensive framework that assists SMEs in adopting AI in a manner that is both sustainable and ethical, ultimately empowering them to leverage technology effectively against the backdrop of global competition.

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Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence

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