Application of Artificial Intelligence in
Small and “Medium-Sized”, Enterprıses and its Impact on “Economic Efficiency
Vusal Heydarov1* , Zhala Mammadova2
Abstract. This article examines the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and its impact on economic efficiency. The main objective of the study is to determine the level of AI usage in SMEs and to assess its effects on labor productivity, cost reduction, decision-making, sales, and overall business performance. A survey was conducted among 150 respondents, and the collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. The results indicate that AI is primarily applied in marketing, customer service, and sales forecasting within SMEs. According to respondents, AI accelerates business processes, enhances productivity, and positively affects economic efficiency. However, high implementation costs, limited financial resources, and the shortage of qualified personnel were identified as key barriers to broader adoption. Overall, the study demonstrates that AI serves as a strategic development tool for SMEs and, when properly implemented, can significantly enhance economic efficiency. The findings provide a basis for more informed decision-making regarding AI adoption in SMEs and offer practical and theoretical insights for future research.
Keywords: artificial intelligence, SMEs, economic efficiency, digital transformation, business performance