It’s no secret that European businesses are facing tough times. With economic uncertainty and fierce competition shaping the landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to drive growth and efficiency.
At Sharp Europe, we understand that these headwinds are significant and unpredictable. It’s why we put our customers first. We see ourselves as more than just a technology provider; we’re a partner for organisations of every size and sector. To get a real sense of what’s happening on the ground, we asked 2,500 SME leaders across 10 European countries how they’re using AI and what hurdles they’re facing on their digital transformation journey.
AI: From Back Office to Business Core
Here’s what we found. Trust in AI is growing fast. In fact, three out of four (75%) SME owners say they trust AI more now than they did a year ago. AI isn’t just a buzzword anymore, it’s becoming central to how businesses operate. Nearly two-thirds (64%) told us that AI is fully embedded in their business, and more than half (53%) feel the pressure to keep up with competitors who are already making the most of these technologies. Workforce readiness and secure adoption remain key areas of focus.
This proves that the drive to adopt AI is clear. Ongoing economic uncertainty is the main reason for accelerating use, while many remain concerned that their business isn’t utilising AI as much or as effectively as it could. From what I’m seeing, AI is moving from the back office to the core of how SMEs work, compete, and grow. Our research shows we’ve reached a turning point. Businesses are asking not if they should use it, but how fast and how effectively they can scale it.
Workforce Concerns: Skills, Trust, and Ethics
Of course, adopting AI isn’t all smooth sailing. While it presents several opportunities for employees to learn progressive new skills, there are still plenty of concerns. Over a third of SME leaders say their teams feel anxious about not having enough tech know-how, and some just don’t trust AI-generated results. There’s also an ethical side to consider. Many employees worry that using AI might make them look lazy or like they’re ‘cheating.’
To tackle these issues, SMEs are stepping up provisions in a few areas. This includes training staff on AI tools, securing data for AI integration, and investing in new licences. But nearly half (43%) of leaders admit they still need clearer guidance on how to adopt and use AI securely. Which begs the question – how do we balance a need for (necessary) new skills with what we deem ‘safe’ and responsible?
Balancing Innovation with Responsibility
AI is inviting exciting possibilities for SMEs, but it’s not without risk, especially if new tools are adopted without proper policies or oversight. In our view, the businesses that will thrive are those that strike the right balance between innovation and responsibility, making sure AI supports both growth and employee development.
At Sharp Europe, we know that navigating the world of AI can feel overwhelming, especially with so many new tools and trends springing up daily, it feels. That’s why we’re focused on sharing practical advice and helping businesses figure out what works best for them. Whether it’s securing data, rolling out company-wide AI policies, or making sure everyone gets the training they need.
We’ve also brought together all our services (document and printing, audio visual, cloud, enterprise applications, and cybersecurity) under the new ‘one Sharp’ Digital Experiences banner. The idea is simple: make it easier for businesses to manage their tech and find new ways to grow, all in one place. We’re committed to supporting organisations of every size as they explore what’s possible with AI, and we’re here to help guide them through the journey, every step of the way.
