Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in SMEs: Evidence from Italy

The rapid diffusion of artificial intelligence (AI) has been predominantly driven by large organizations, while small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face slower adoption rates, widening the technological uptake gap. This study explores the factors influencing employees’ intention to adopt AI technologies in Italian SMEs using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). By integrating organizational, technological, and individual dimensions, the research provides a nuanced understanding of AI adoption in smaller organizational contexts. Data were collected through Prolific, with a final sample size of 333 participants. The results highlight the critical role of organizational culture in shaping employees’ perceptions of the usefulness, ease of use, and personal utility of AI technologies. From a technological perspective, employees in Italian SMEs frequently used generative AI and virtual assistants, reporting tangible benefits that were reflected in higher TAM scores for perceived usefulness, ease of use, and personal utility. Gender differences emerged as a notable factor, with women reporting lower perceived personal utility scores than men, suggesting disparities in perceived benefits or confidence in AI-related tasks. Other individual factors, such as age, education, and work experience, did not significantly affect TAM scores. This suggests that organizational and technology-related factors play a more significant role in influencing AI adoption behaviors in SMEs. Theoretically, this study extends the TAM framework by integrating multi-dimensional organizational culture and specific AI technologies as antecedents of AI adoption. In terms of practical implications, Italian SMEs seeking to enhance AI adoption should prioritize investments in AI training programs and the cultivation of a digitally oriented organizational culture. Technology providers should focus on user-friendly designs and demonstrating the benefits of AI tools.