SMEs are significantly lagging behind large organizations in AI adoption due to structural and financial constraints, limited access to technology, insufficient data infrastructure, and workforce skill shortages. This growing digital divide threatens economic competitiveness and equity across regions. As SMEs form a critical part of global economies, their meaningful participation in AI-enabled digital transformation is essential for building resilient and fair economic systems.
This topical collection welcomes multidisciplinary research exploring AI adoption, implementation challenges, workforce development, ethical considerations, and best practices in SMEs. The collection invites theoretical, empirical, design-oriented, and technical contributions that address opportunities and strategies for AI-enabled transformation in the SME context, including case studies and innovation ecosystem perspectives.