(06.11.2024 The Swiss economy is increasingly embracing artificial intelligence's potential. More than half (55%) of companies have started integrating this technology into their operations, according to a study by insurer AXA and the Sotomo Institute, which surveyed 300 SMEs.
Currently, 22% of small and medium-sized businesses surveyed have fully integrated AI into at least some of their projects, while a third (33%) are still in the experimentation stage.
Almost half of SMEs (48%) use AI for translations, with 40% employing it to draft letters and emails. Additionally, over a third (36%) utilize AI for creating ad content, and 21% use it to generate images. A quarter of companies also optimize workflows and conduct data analysis with AI tools.
However, only 15% of SMEs use AI for targeted advertising or customer service, as personal interactions remain a priority and are considered harder to replace.
Nearly half (45%) of the companies surveyed view these developments neutrally, seeing AI as neither an opportunity nor a threat to their business. A third consider it a positive shift, while 20% remain cautious. Attitudes toward AI also vary widely depending on company size: 52% of businesses with over 50 employees are in favor, compared to only 27% of smaller companies (5 to 9 employees).
Overall, the potential impact on jobs remains relatively modest, mainly affecting manufacturing, trade, and industry, where nearly one in five SMEs anticipates workforce reductions. In contrast, only 7% of companies in the information and communication sectors foresee job cuts related to AI deployment.
Last modification 06.11.2024
