Only 1 in 4 SMEs uses AI in daily activities, study says

Ipsos for Meta with 500 SMEs reveals that only 1 in 4 uses artificial intelligence in daily activities, though most see benefits in time and resources, according to ANSA. Results were presented in Rome at the AI Forum organized by Meta.

Key survey findings — AI, SMEs and digital inclusion

• The survey was conducted by Ipsos for Meta with a sample of 500 small and medium-sized enterprises, according to ANSA.
• Only 1 in 4 SMEs report using AI in everyday activities.
• 70% of the surveyed companies believe AI can save time and resources.
• 42% say they have already saved time on routine tasks with agentic AI solutions (digital agents), ANSA reported.

These figures point to a still limited adoption of AI technologies among SMEs, despite recognizing potential gains. For readers interested in Italy’s economic context and daily life, this topic connects to issues treated in our Italian News section Notícias da Itália and in reports on Life in Italy.

Event context — Rome and the AI Forum

The results were shared in Rome during the AI Forum promoted by Meta, where authorities and executives discussed the role of technology for businesses, according to ANSA.

• Minister Anna Maria Bernini sent a video message at the event, arguing that technological progress should "open possibilities and benefit human intelligence," as reported by ANSA.
• Angelo Mazzetti, Meta’s Director of Public Policy for Italy, stated at the forum that SMEs are the "backbone" of the Italian economy and that closing the digital gap is needed to offer firms more advanced agentic AI tools, ANSA reported.

The event tone mixed appeals for investment in digital inclusion with warnings about the need to train and support entrepreneurs to take advantage of the new tools.

Highlighted applications and goals — from smart glasses to accessible culture

The AI Forum also explored concrete technology applications for small businesses and the cultural sector, according to ANSA:

• The potential of devices like smart glasses to support business operations, logistics, and customer service in SMEs was debated.
• Another focus was using technology to make art and culture more accessible, promoting digital inclusion and expanding audiences in museums, cultural spaces, and local initiatives.

The combination of agentic AI tools and augmented interaction devices was presented as a path to optimize routine tasks while broadening cultural access, a topic of interest for followers of changes in Italy’s landscape.

Relevance for Brazilians and descendants of Italians — impact and opportunities

The adoption rate of AI among Italian SMEs aligns with challenges faced by small businesses worldwide. For Brazilians with ventures or economic ties in Italy — or for descendants aiming to start a business in the country — the data have practical implications:

• Low adoption indicates room for solutions that facilitate incorporating AI into business routines, especially automation and agentic assistance that saves time on administrative tasks.
• Interest in digital inclusion and cultural access signals opportunities in services that make products, communication, and cultural experiences more accessible to diverse audiences.
• Following public policies and events like the AI Forum helps business owners identify support programs, partnerships, and emerging technologies applicable to the Italian market. For those tracking mobility and rights issues, this connects with topics covered in our Citizenship Italian section, which also welcomes readers with practical and professional interests in Italy.

Conclusion

Ipsos for Meta shows that, in 2026, AI adoption among Italian SMEs remains limited despite widely perceived benefits in time and resource savings. The Rome forum highlighted both the technological potential — from smart glasses to digital agents — and the need for policies and initiatives that promote small-business digital inclusion, according to ANSA.

Source: ANSA