Pathways

This roadmap provides a structured path and timetable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) wishing to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. It outlines a five-phase framework, that can be applied across all SMEs: 

1. Assessment and Readiness 
2. Technology Selecting and Planning 
3. Implementation and Integration 
4. Monitoring and Optimisation 
5. Compliance, Ethics, and Scaling 

It is a guide based on the best practices taking into account the regional disparities of AI adoption across EU analysed in the partner countries France, Spain, Croatia, Austria, Italy, Ireland: each partner has chosen 3 national and 1 EU example from a country not represented within the consortium.

The research revealed a list of SME sectors where AI has been applied in various processes and activities, as follows:

• Commerce, Marketing and Sales 
• Industry and Manufacturing 

• Digital and Information 
• Technology Healthcare and Life Sciences 
• Business and Professional Services 
• Finance and Fintech
• Logistics and Hospitality

However, we recognise that SMEs may find it challenging to see how these phases apply in practice to their specific industries. For this reason, the roadmap is organised into two parts:

1. Core framework : a general transition model applicable to all SMEs.
2. Specific pathways for sectors: subsections that illustrate, with concrete examples, how the framework can be tailored to different industries identified in the analysis. 

This dual approach ensures that SMEs can benefit from a structured transition model while also accessing practical, sector-relevant guidance for AI adoption.

Dedicated materials