UNIDO’s groundbreaking publication on the adoption of AI by SMEs

VIENNA – December 9th, 2021 – Further to its participation in the United Nations High Level Inter-Agency Working Group on Artificial Intelligence, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has developed a new normative document, Empowering SMEs of Developing Countries through 4IR Technologies-Artificial Intelligence. The publication provides guidance both to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries, and to business development services institutions, to help facilitate the adoption and application of artificial intelligence (AI) in their respective contexts.

Globally, SMEs are especially challenged in terms of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and accessing its associated technologies due to a confluence of factors, such as issues obtaining credit and finance; insufficient knowledge; a lack of qualified labour; inadequate digital infrastructure; and uncertainty about how to integrate advanced technology into business operations.

The UNIDO publication marks a departure from previous work in this field, as it engages with the issue of absorption and application of advanced technology from the perspective of SMEs in developing countries. These enterprises faces unique challenges in their transition to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, given the very significant digital deficit faced by lower-income countries.

More…https://www.unido.org/news/unidos-groundbreaking-publication-adoption-ai-smes

Written by UNIDO