Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) around the world are investing in AI, but most are still early in their AI maturity journey. That’s one of the key takeaways from a new global study commissioned by SAS and IDC.
The report, AI for SMBs: Closing the Readiness–Reality Gap, explores how SMBs are using AI today, where they’re getting stuck and what it takes to move from experimentation to real business impact.
Most SMBs are still experimenting with AI
According to the research, nearly 70% of SMBs remain in the experimental or opportunistic stages of AI maturity. While many organizations are using AI tools in pockets across their business, those efforts are often disconnected and not yet aligned to an organization-wide strategy.
The disconnect between ambition and execution is what the report calls the readiness–reality gap. SMB leaders see the potential of AI, but many lack the data foundations, skills, governance and operating model needed to scale responsibly and sustainably.
Common challenges for SMBs
The study, based on a global survey of more than 1,600 SMB leaders across 28 countries, found several recurring barriers to AI maturity, including:
- Fragmented data and tools.
- Isolated AI initiatives.
- Limited skills and overall organizational readiness.
- Insufficient governance and ROI measures.
Introducing a practical framework for progress
To help organizations assess where they stand and what to do next, the report introduces the AI Readiness Index – a framework that evaluates maturity across four dimensions: planning, building, enabling and executing.
Based on progress across those areas, SMBs fall into one of four maturity stages:
- Experimental
- Opportunistic
- Structured
- Integrated
The index provides a clear, diagnostic view of an organization’s current state and helps map a path forward -- reinforcing the need for integrated AI platforms and trusted partners.
What are our partners and customers saying?
“AI in government is only as powerful as the data that fuels it – trusted, well-governed data turns algorithms into decisions that improve citizen services and national security. To go from experimentation and pilots to scale requires clear mission alignment, modern AI infrastructure, strong governance, and a culture willing to operationalize AI across the enterprise.”
Michael Adams, Sales Director, Carahsoft
“AI is moving rapidly from experimentation to operational reality, and AI-enabled operations are quickly becoming the new standard for SMBs. The organizations seeing real value are those modernizing their environments with intelligent, adaptive systems – using AI to automate routine work, strengthen resilience, and turn ambition into valuable business outcomes.”
Mark Martin, Global Vice President, Data & AI and Vendor Transformation, TD SYNNEX
“In our business, readiness versus reality matters. AI helps us turn millions of transactions into timely insights that teams can act on immediately. Pilots won’t move the needle unless they scale to everyday decisions, and SAS helps us execute so our teams can make better decisions on labor, cost and performance when it matters.”
David Gardner, Director of Analytics, Boddie-Noell Enterprises
“The readiness–reality gap is real in higher ed. We didn’t need more AI hype, we needed decision-ready analytics that our leaders can use every day to improve operational decisions which impact our bottom line and student success.”
Melanie Boynton, Director of Institutional Research and Analytics, Reynolds Community College
Featured at SAS Innovate
The report’s findings were also featured during the SMB and Channel Partner Executive Insights session at SAS Innovate. John Carey, Senior Vice President of Global Channels at SAS, shared highlights from the IDC research to help SMB leaders understand why scaling AI remains a challenge. An interactive, Family Feud‑style AI showdown, hosted by Andy Bagwell, Senior Manager of Partner Sales, brought the research to life, reinforcing a key takeaway echoed throughout the session: successful AI at scale is less about adding more tools and more about organizational readiness.
How SAS is helping SMBs move forward
Alongside the report, SAS has launched an AI Readiness Calculator designed specifically for SMBs. The tool enables organizations to evaluate their current level of AI maturity, identify gaps and receive personalized recommendations based on their size and readiness level.
“SMBs don’t need more hype. What they need are results that translate into a meaningful return on their AI investments,” said Carey. “This research shows that AI adoption is already widespread, but operationalizing AI at the company level remains a challenge. SAS outlines a path forward with tools and resources that make sense for SMB customers.”
