How AI Can Supercharge SMBs Around the World

Artificial intelligence (AI) is often discussed through the lens of massive corporations, but that perspective overlooks the powerful influence small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have on the global economy.

Across the world, these businesses form the foundation of economic activity. In Europe alone, SMBs account for 99% of all enterprises and employ over 77 million people. Globally, there are around 400 million SMBs—making them not only widespread but essential.

If AI is deployed widely among these businesses, it could speed up overall adoption rates and unlock economic potential at scale. The impact wouldn’t just be felt at the company level—it could drive major improvements in national productivity. According to the IMF, developed economies that take AI integration seriously could see cumulative GDP growth as high as 35%.

Many SMBs already experimenting with AI are seeing the benefits. Nearly 90% of those using it report gains in productivity. A report by McKinsey highlights that the majority of generative AI’s economic value is expected to come from four key functions: customer support, research and development, marketing and sales, and software development.

Setting aside software development for a moment, the other areas are core functions of most businesses, no matter their size. Generative AI can improve these areas by streamlining repetitive tasks, personalizing customer interactions, and scaling up creative processes.

When productivity rises in front-line areas like sales or customer support, businesses often redirect those gains toward innovation and growth. That means more funding and focus can go toward R&D, expanding product offerings, or entering new markets.

Concerns about AI replacing jobs are common, but the reality is more balanced. Boosting productivity across millions of SMBs can fuel business expansion, higher consumer spending, and ultimately, more employment opportunities. PwC’s research found that 82 percent of CEOs saw either no change or an increase in headcount after adopting AI.

In software development, the effects of AI are especially striking. A study involving over 100 engineers found that generative AI tools helped cut the time required for code updates by 70% and freed up senior engineers to mentor others, raising team engagement by 70%. These kinds of productivity gains can be extended beyond engineering, helping SMBs operate more smoothly and create better work environments.

Still, AI implementation isn’t always easy. Over half of SMBs reported that the upfront costs were higher than expected. Strong leadership support, regional grants, and peer networks can help address these barriers.

With the right backing, SMBs can overcome outdated systems and fully harness AI’s potential. Doing so will speed up the economic benefits and allow businesses of all sizes to thrive in an AI-driven future.

As AI companies like D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) successfully launch more products aimed at transforming how various industries conduct their operations, SMBs could soon regard AI as an integral part of the way they do things.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/QBTS

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