Artificial Intelligence in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Requirements and Barriers

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the economy and in recent years have become the focus of several studies. To promote intelligent and sustainable growth, research and innovation projects are encouraged to create a favorable ecosystem. SMEs are generally adaptable and innovative in terms of their processes and products. Due to the continued competitive pressures that small organizations endure, they are gradually becoming more proactive when it comes to innovation. Digital technologies are changing society and the production sector, and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) marked a new era. The basic idea of I4.0 is automation and comprehensive connectivity, both vertical and horizontal, connecting machines, products and people throughout the entire value chain. Many SMEs began to implement technologies for smart and connected manufacturing and operation systems. The application of digital techniques to companies has had an important effect on the way of living and working. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality and robots, among others, is generating different work modalities, and, therefore, education and training. That is why it is intended, from now on, that I4.0 focus on people and sustainability, which is beginning to be known as Industry 5.0 (I5.0). The aim of this work is to be able to answer two important questions: what obstacles to the implementation of AI face SMEs in the manufacturing sector and what requirements they must meet to adopt it. For this purpose, a bibliographic review and five qualitative studies were carried out in Argentina.