How Manufacturing SMEs Can Turn AI Into a Competitive Edge
Without losing what makes them strong
Closing the AI gap is about driving competitiveness, resilience, and agility in an increasingly volatile landscape.
— Shinichiro (Shin) Nakamura, President, one to ONE Holdings
Shin Nakamura, President of one to ONE Holdings Pte. Ltd. (o2Oh), has published a new thought leadership article on Horasis titled "Closing the SME AI Adoption Gap," offering practical guidance for manufacturing SMEs navigating AI adoption.A recent OECD report cited in the article notes that 40% of large enterprises have adopted AI, compared to only 11.9% of firms with fewer than 50 employees. This gap threatens competitiveness and global economic stability, as SMEs account for two-thirds of jobs and over half of global GDP.
Shin outlines three principles for SMEs seeking to close the gap:
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Pursue both horizontal and vertical AI integration
Apply AI to both core operations and cross-functional processes to strengthen supply chain resilience. -
Use AI as a strategic tool, not a cost-cutting shortcut
AI investment decisions should focus on long-term competitive advantage rather than short-term trends. -
Build internal know-how and protect proprietary expertise
Retain core knowledge internally. People-focused training and cross-industry collaboration help build sustainable AI capabilities.
"SMEs that take a strategic, people-centered approach to AI can strengthen resilience while preserving their unique operational advantages," Shin writes. "SMEs are an important driver of an AI-forward future where efficiency and speed are maximized."
To read the full article, visit Horasis.
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