In a recent survey, Team.blue, a provider of digital solutions for companies and entrepreneurs, examined the digital maturity of small businesses in Europe and found that although many are keen to use digital and AI tools, uncertainty is holding them back.
One of the most obvious signs is that 30% of small businesses claim they have no idea which digital technologies to use, and over one-fourth claim they don’t have the necessary expertise. The difference is even more noticeable for older companies, with over 60% of those that have been in business for more than ten years being reluctant to implement AI.
“Technology, especially AI, has outpaced the capacity of many small businesses to keep up. What we’re seeing isn’t a gap in ambition or motivation, it’s a gap in comprehension and perception. Small businesses understand that AI has the potential to be transformative, but the current eco system too often assumes a level of digital fluency that simply isn’t there yet. When we simplify the path and make tools genuinely usable, AI stops intimidating and starts becoming a catalyst for creativity, efficiency and growth. The opportunity isn’t just to help small businesses adopt AI, but to empower them to shape what’s possible with it.”
Said, Claudio Corbetta, Group CEO, team.blue.
Small businesses across Europe feel overwhelmed by digital choices, according to the team.blue Digital Maturity Report, which surveyed over 8,000 companies in 30+ countries. Nearly 30% are unsure which digital tools to adopt, 26% lack the skills or confidence to use them, and one in five say limited time and resources remain their biggest hurdle.
According to the survey, the sheer number of digital options and ambiguous pathways overwhelm small firms. One in five people cite a lack of time or resources as a barrier to using digital technology, and many indicate that it feels complicated and time-consuming.
“Digital tools only matter when they empower the people behind them. Our focus is on making that experience more accessible and secure, because the prosperity of small businesses directly shapes the vitality of our communities.”
Said, Jonas Dhaenens, Founder and President, team.blue.
