AI and Big Data Adoption Among SMEs Grows

Vishal Rally, Senior Vice President – Product and Marketing, Tata Teleservices

New Delhi, India – The adoption of AI and ML among SMEs is steadily increasing, with significant strides being made in the IT/ITeS, Healthcare, and BFSI sectors, according to the new ‘SME Digital Insights’ study by Tata Tele Business Services (TTBS) and Cyber Media Research (CMR). Despite many SMEs being in the early stages of embracing these emerging technologies, certain sectors are making notable progress.

The IT/ITeS sector is at the forefront of adopting AI/ML, with 35 percent of SMEs utilizing these technologies. These tools are primarily being used to enhance user experiences, automate various processes, and drive innovation. The sector's inherent familiarity with technology and its rapid pace of innovation are key factors contributing to this advanced adoption. AI/ML is particularly being used to optimize IT operations, improve cybersecurity, and develop intelligent automation solutions.

Meanwhile, in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector, which evidently has been an early adopter of big data analytics, 37 percent of SMEs are harnessing these capabilities. The primary drivers for this adoption include the need to gain deeper insights, manage risks effectively, and deliver personalized services to customers. Regulatory requirements and the availability of large datasets have further propelled the adoption of big data analytics in the BFSI sector.

“With domain expertise and innovative solutions, we are powering SMEs to harness the transformative power of cloud solutions for sustained success in an increasingly digital world,” stated Vishal Rally, Senior Vice President – Product and Marketing, Tata Teleservices.

In the healthcare, diagnostic, and pharmaceutical sectors, there is a significant recognition of the potential of big data analytics and AI to transform operations and improve outcomes.

According to the report, 33 percent of SMEs in this sector are leveraging big data analytics, while 31 percent are adopting AI. These technologies are being used to enhance clinical outcomes, streamline operations, and accelerate drug discovery processes. However, the adoption remains uneven, with many organizations facing challenges such as data silos, outdated legacy systems, and skills gaps.

Prabhu Ram, Head-Industry Intelligence Group (IIG), Cyber Media Research

“Cloud adoption unlocks access to cutting-edge advancements like AI, empowering SMEs to compete and thrive. Partnering with trusted experts is key to maximizing the Cloud’s potential, from enhanced customer support to innovative solutions,” said Prabhu Ram, Head-Industry Intelligence Group (IIG), Cyber Media Research (CMR).

The insights from the SME Digital Insights report suggest a growing strategic focus among SMEs on leveraging data and AI to gain a competitive edge. However, realizing the full potential of these technologies will require sustained investment, a cultural shift, and concerted efforts to build the necessary capabilities. Organizations will need to address challenges such as integrating disparate data sources, updating legacy systems, and closing the skills gap to fully benefit from AI and big data analytics.