Unveiling AI Adoption in SMEs: A Systematic Review of Perceived Advantages and Barriers Through an Extended TAM Framework

Abstract

Introduction: This systematic literature review examines the advantages and disadvantages SMEs see in adopting AI.

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to categorize the benefits (perceived usefulness and performance expectancy) and barriers (perceived ease of use, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and price value) of AI adoption among SMEs, and to develop a theoretical framework that illustrates their relationships.

Methods: The study used a TAM that was extended by adding components from TAM2, UTAUT, and UTAUT2. In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, our analysis included 87 studies identified in the Scopus database from 2015 through 2024.

Results: The results indicated 14 primary benefits of adopting AI and 7 primary barriers, most of which were internal or external. Co-occurrence analysis identified several ways to address barriers to AI adoption, including reducing the cost of AI solutions to alleviate financial burdens on SMEs, improving operational performance, and addressing funding issues that affect SMEs. A conceptual model has been developed that links the various dimensions to the intention to adopt AI, with moderators that affect the likelihood of an SME adopting AI. In addition, the findings demonstrate that SMEs’ flexibility enables them to adapt to the rapid changes in digital transformation.

Conclusions: The findings indicate that researchers should design studies to evaluate the long-term effects of adopting AI. Overall, this study brings together fragmented prior research, thereby enabling SMEs to leverage AI to enhance innovation, operational effectiveness, and competitive advantage during times of economic uncertainty.