Almost half of Brazilian SMEs use or intend to use artificial intelligence (AI) in their daily operations, according to a survey conducted by Serasa Experian.

Serasa Experian, the first and largest datatech in Brazil, a leader in intelligence solutions for risk analysis and opportunities, with a focus on credit, authentication, and fraud prevention journeys, conducted a survey to understand, in greater depth, the innovation landscape of Brazilian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The entrepreneurs were grouped into four profiles: I Want to Be Big, Stable Path, Daily Battle, and Innovative Leadership.

One of the points analyzed to understand the behavior of companies was regarding the adoption of technology in daily life, such as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and participation in industry events, for example.

Regarding the use of AI, 47% of the respondents intend to use or already use it for process improvement, customer service, and other areas. When we evaluate these companies by profile groups, the largest percentage, that is, the one that most employs artificial intelligence, with 63%, are the so-called "Innovative Leadership." On the other hand, the SMEs that fall into the "Stable Path" profile are the least likely to adopt it, with 34% using AI.

Participation in events related to the theme, such as trends, innovation, and digitalization, is a practice for 46% of SMEs. The so-called "I Want to Be Big" are the ones that most frequently attend technology events, with 62%. Again, companies in the "Stable Path" group are the least adherent, with 26%, to participation in this type of event.

"Understanding the challenges and needs of increasingly competitive markets, knowing how to innovate and use technology in favor of quality and business efficiency, is important for all companies, including the smallest ones. Our goal is to support small and medium-sized businesses with solutions that serve this purpose, facilitating their daily lives and their prosperity," says Mariana Figueiredo, the director of products for small and medium-sized businesses at Serasa Experian.

See full details below:

I want to be big

31% of the responding SMEs are part of this group, which is characterized by companies that do everything in compliance and have growth plans. 

Usage of AI: 49% of the companies intend to or already use the technology

Participation in events: 62% SMEs of this profile participate

Doors and segment: 41% are micro-enterprises, 33% are medium-sized; 14% are individual entrepreneurs and 12% are small-sized. In the segment, 70% operate in services; 18% in retail trade, 9% in industry; and only 3% in wholesale trade.

Company age: 39% are over ten years old; 24% between 5 and 10 years; 14% from 3 to 5 years; and 23% from 6 months to 3 years.

Stable path

25% of the responding companies fall into the category. The main characteristic is companies where everything is going well and there is no intention of changes, such as expansion, for example.

Usage of AI: 34% SMEs in this group adopt

Participation in events: 26% of the respondents in this group participate

Doors and segment: 47% are considered microenterprises; 24% are medium-sized; 16% are small-sized; and 14% are individual entrepreneurs. Regarding their operations, 63% are concentrated in the service sector; 22% in retail; 13% in industry; and 2% in wholesale. 

Company age: 51% are over 10 years old; 18% are between 5 and 10 years old; 15% are between 3 and 5 years old; and 16% are between 6 months and 3 years old.

Daily Battle

22% SMEs fit into this segment where the main goal is the pursuit of profit and the continuity of operations.

Usage of AI: 42% use or intend to use innovation

Participation in events: 38% affirm that they attend

Doors and segment: 37% are medium-sized companies; 31% are microenterprises; 25% are individual entrepreneurs; and 7% are small-sized. Regarding the field of activity, 71% focus on services; 18% in retail; 6% in industry; and 5% in wholesale.

Company age: 24% are over 10 years old; 16% are between 5 and 10 years old; 17% are between 3 and 5 years old; and 38% are between 6 months and 3 years old.

Innovative Leadership

22% presents financial security and innovation features, leading the way in some hot topics in the market. 

Usage of AI: 63% have joined or intend to join

Participation in events: 56% comparem to industry events --- Here is the translation of the provided text from Portuguese to English. The original formatting and tone have been preserved, and the context remains clear. If there are any technical, legal, or specialized terms in the full text, they would need to be translated with precision to maintain their original meaning.

Doors and segment: 43% of the SMEs that fit this profile are microenterprises; 26% are medium-sized; 18% are small-sized; and 14% are individual entrepreneurs. In terms of the sector of operation, 60% are in the service sector; 23% are in retail, 10% in industry; and 6% in wholesale trade.

Age of the company: 37% are over 10 years old; 19% are between 5 and 10 years old; 17% are between 3 and 5 years old; and 27% are between 6 months and 3 years old.

Methodology

The research involved a representative sample of 1,009 SMEs, considering the classification established by SEBRAE. The survey sought to cover various sectors, including commerce, services, and industry, as well as companies that operate in both the B2B and B2C markets. Positions such as coordinators, managers, directors, partners, and owners were included, provided they were over 18 years of age. The data collection was conducted through an online panel and the margin of error was 3.1% with a 95% confidence intervalTP3T. Associations, federations, churches, and other religious bodies were excluded from the sample.