In the UK, respondents’ top concerns are:
- Cost – 35%
- Lack of skilled staff – 32%
- Integration issues – 29%
In the U.S., the following challenges were top of mind:
- Tech failure – 29%
- Employee resistance – 28%
- High costs – 27%
The results indicate that sectors like retail, healthcare, and manufacturing are especially wary, with 42% of retail SMBs expressing fear over AI’s “unknown future.”
SMBs Invest Despite Skills Gaps
Despite fears and uncertainties surrounding AI, 54% of SMBs in the U.S. and UK still plan to increase their investments over the next year. The top benefits they hope to reap include:
- Improved efficiencies
- Reduced costs
- The ability to be more competitive
However, respondents know that if they want to see these perks, they need to invest in the right talent. In fact, 25% of SMBs cite a lack of skilled staff as a significant barrier. More than 40% of respondents believe they need an AI expert but don’t know where to start.
“Our SMB customers are cautiously optimistic about AI adoption, and while they know it’s essential to staying competitive and accelerating their digital transformation, they’re held back by fears around costs, skills, and integration,” said Sachin Dev Duggal, Founder and Chief Wizard at Builder.ai. “They often struggle with knowing where to begin or how to secure the necessary resources. AI shouldn’t be exclusive to big corporations. SMBs need, expect, and deserve the same technological edge, especially as it allows them to punch above their weight, and our mission at Builder.ai is to bridge that gap — providing accessible AI-powered/infused solutions that align with their ambitions, needs, and goals.”
