Serasa Experian, the first and largest data tech company in Brazil, leader in intelligence solutions for risk and opportunity analysis, with a focus on credit journeys, authentication, and fraud prevention, conducted a survey to better understand the innovation landscape of Brazilian Small and Medium-sized 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 in relation to the adoption of technology in everyday life, such as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and participation in industry events, for example.
Regarding the use of AI, 47% of respondents intend to use or are already using it for process improvement, customer service, and other areas. When we evaluate these companies by profile groups, the largest percentage, or the one that employs artificial intelligence the most, with 63%, are the so-called "Innovative Leadership." On the other hand, SMEs that fall into the "Stable Path" profile are the least adopting, 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 "Quero ser Grande" are the ones that most attend technology events, with 62%. Again, the companies in the "Caminho Estável" 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 to improve business quality and efficiency is important for all companies, including smaller ones. Our goal is to support small and medium-sized companies with solutions that serve this purpose, making their daily lives and prosperity easier,” says Mariana Figueiredo, director of products for small and medium-sized companies 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 operate entirely within compliance and have growth plans.
Use of AI:49% of companies intend to or already use the technology
Participation in events:62% of SMEs with this profile participate
Size and segment:41% are microenterprises, 33% are medium-sized; 14% are individual entrepreneurs, and 12% are small-sized. In the sector, 70% work 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 old; 14% between 3 and 5 years old; and 23% between 6 months and 3 years old.
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.
Use of AI:34% of SMEs in this group adopt
Participation in events:26% of respondents in this group participate
Size and segment:47% are considered microenterprises; 24% are medium-sized; 16% are small; and 14% are individual entrepreneurs. Regarding their activities, 63% are focused on the service sector; 22% in retail; 13% in industry; and 2% in wholesale.
Company age:51% are over 10 years old; 18% from 5 to 10 years; 15% from 3 to 5 years; and 16% from 6 months to 3 years.
Daily Battle
22% of SMEs fit into this segment in which the main objective is the search for profit and the continuity of operations.
Use of AI:42% use or intend to use the innovation
Participation in events:38% say they attend
Size and segment:37% are medium-sized companies; 31% microenterprises; 25% are individual entrepreneurs; and 7% small-sized. Regarding the sector of activity, 71% focus on services; 18% on retail; 6% on industry; and 5% on wholesale.
Company age:24% are over 10 years old; 16% are 5 to 10 years old; 17% from 3 to 5 years; and 38% from 6 months to 3 years.
Innovative Leadership
22% exhibit characteristics of financial security and innovation, leading in some trending topics in the market.
Use of AI:63% have joined or intend to join
Participation in events:56% attend industry events
Size and segment:43% of the SMEs that fit this profile are microenterprises; 26% are medium-sized; 18% are small; and 14% are individual entrepreneurs. In terms of sector of activity, 60% are in the service sector; 23% in retail, 10% in industry; and 6% in wholesale trade.
Company age: 37% are over 10 years old; 19% from 5 to 10 years; 17% from 3 to 5 years; and 27% from 6 months to 3 years.
Methodology
The research involved a representative sample of 1,009 SMEs, considering the classification established by SEBRAE. The research aimed to cover various sectors, including commerce, services, and industry, as well as companies operating in both the B2B and B2C markets. Positions of coordinators, managers, directors, partners, and owners were included, provided they were over 18 years old. The survey was conducted through an online panel, with a margin of error of 3.1% and a 95% confidence interval. Associations, federations, churches, and other religious organizations were excluded from the sample.
