What happened
OECD published a policy paper drawing on the 2026 edition of its D4SME survey, shedding light on 'the scope, complexity and barriers for use of AI applications implemented by a non-representative sample of over 2,000 SMEs' across participating economies. The report analyses the extent to which small firms are adopting and deploying AI — a data point that has been historically thin for the SME segment — and frames policy implications for governments seeking to lift SME productivity via AI adoption. It builds on the OECD's broader Empowering SMEs work stream and complements the earlier Stocktaking Toolkit for government initiatives in this area.
Why it matters
Provides the first major cross-economy quantitative picture of AI adoption barriers among SMEs — informing both SME-facing policy and enterprise go-to-market assumptions for AI tools.
Action needed
Review the survey's barrier findings and OECD policy recommendations when shaping SME AI-adoption programs or market-entry strategy.