NAB SME Business Insights on AI Adoption

This report presents findings on the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) among Australian SMEs, highlighting the varying levels of usage across different industries. The data indicates that while AI adoption is accelerating, it remains uneven, with sectors such as Finance & Insurance, Business Services, and Property Services leading in integration due to their digital maturity and data availability. In contrast, industries like Transport & Storage and Retail exhibit lower adoption rates, often hindered by legacy systems and operational complexities. The report also notes that a significant portion of SMEs expresses skepticism about AI's benefits, with 16% believing it will not assist their business. The study reveals that automation is viewed as the primary opportunity for AI, particularly in data-heavy sectors, while customer-facing industries focus more on marketing and sales optimization. Overall, the findings underscore the need for education and support to enhance AI adoption across all sectors, as many SMEs are just beginning their digital transformation journeys.