AI Adoption for Small Business Development in African Developing Countries: A Conceptual Perspective
摘要
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been rapidly advancing with diverse applications in machine learning (ML), natural language programming (NLP), robotics, virtual reality, augmented reality, cloud computing, ethics and governance, healthcare, education and manufacturing processes. The development and deployment of these various digital technologies in the past two decades have had a significant positive contribution towards business growth and sustainability. The application of AI for small business development, particularly in African developing economies, however, remains unexplored, creating a dearth of knowledge in this area. This chapter, therefore, focuses on the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) for sustainable entrepreneurial growth and development in developing economies. In this chapter, the authors focus on how the adoption and effective implementation of artificial intelligence can be of value to entrepreneurs in developing economies and how AI-based business solutions can possibly contribute towards sustainable entrepreneurial growth and development. The study takes a qualitative research design, exploring how the entrepreneurial landscape has been influenced by the adoption of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence. The chapter thus articulates the potential benefits of adopting and effectively implementing AI-driven business solutions, the factors that support the adoption of those technologies and the challenges that entrepreneurs are likely to face in the process. In exploring the adoption of AI for sustainable entrepreneurship in developing economies, the chapter views the phenomena under study through the lenses of three models: the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) Model and the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) Theory. The nexus among these three models provides a strong complementarity as lenses through which technological innovations can be evaluated for adoption and implementation in micro, small and medium business enterprises in developing economies. Their similarities and differences provide a broad base of variables that business enterprises consider in evaluating various technological innovations. Based on the study findings, conclusions are drawn and recommendations proffered on how Micro, Small to Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) could capitalise on digital technologies to improve their sustainability. Implications for theory, policy and practice are outlined as the study impacts other researchers, policy makers and small business operators in African developing economies.