97% of Spanish SMEs already use artificial intelligence tools in their business operations, according to a new study by OpenAI. In fact, 60% will likely implement at least one new use of AI in the next 90 days. However, its adoption does not always translate into structured use: four out of ten SMEs still do not have a formal policy on the use of AI.
The study reveals how AI tools are already part of the normal activity of Spanish SMEs. 59% of them use them regularly, while another 38% do so occasionally. Furthermore, one in three even uses it several times a day. In this context, ChatGPT is positioned as the most used solution for 73% of respondents, and also as the one they trust or depend on the most (48%).
This adoption is reflected in the perception of its impact on productivity. 79% of SMEs consider that AI allows them to be more effective in their work. In fact, this technology allows them to save three hours of work per week for each employee, time that they decide to dedicate to higher value activities such as improving products and services (26%), personal development (25%), creative thinking (23%) and strategic planning (22%).
Regarding the most common uses of AI among this type of companies, the generation of ideas (41%), research and analysis (33%) and writing emails or other professional communications (32%) stand out. But beyond these specific uses, respondents point out that the main benefits of AI lie in saving time in routine tasks (36%), generating ideas and content (31%) and reducing errors and repetition of tasks (30%).
The gap between adoption and organization persists
Despite the massive implementation of AI in Spanish SMEs, the OpenAI study reveals that 39% still lack a formal policy on its use. Additionally, 70% of these company leaders say their employees use AI tools independently, even when they have not been officially adopted.
This difference is more visible depending on the size. 49% of companies with up to nine employees lack a formal use policy, compared to 25% of companies with between 50 and 250 employees. In addition, larger companies make more frequent use of AI: 67% use it regularly, compared to 54% of smaller companies, and they are also more likely to consider that these tools improve their effectiveness.
On the other hand, SMEs continue to face some barriers when it comes to incorporating AI. Privacy and security (27%) top the list of obstacles, followed by lack of training (26%), lack of time (20%), and the cost of tools or specialized talent (20%).
And among their main concerns associated with the use of these technologies, they highlight the possibility of obtaining incorrect answers that lead to errors (32%), data leakage and privacy problems (29%) and cybersecurity risks (26%).
European SME AI Accelerator Conference
In this context, and with the aim of supporting SMEs, managers and entrepreneurs, OpenAI has held the Spanish edition of its European SME AI Accelerator at Digitaliza Madrid, under the format OpenAI Academy — SME Madrid Edition. The day, which has the collaboration of the Community of Madrid, is structured in different practical sessions aimed at applying AI in a practical way in the daily activity of this type of organizations.
SMEs still face some barriers when it comes to incorporating AI
Rafaela Nicolazzi, OpenAI’s Public Policy Manager for Southern Europe, said: “Spanish SMEs are already using AI and are seeing concrete benefits in their daily work. The next step is to help them move from individual or isolated uses to more structured, secure and useful practices for the entire company. With the OpenAI Academy in Madrid we want to offer practical learning so that more SMEs can turn AI into better processes, better services and more time to focus on growing their business.”
For his part, Miguel López-Valverde, Councilor for Digitalization of the Community of Madrid, commented: “The collaboration with OpenAI has great value for the region since it represents exactly the type of alliances we seek between the public sector and the private sector, between global knowledge and local talent, between those who develop the technology and those who use it to generate impact.”
