Perspectives from shopfloor workers Don’t show me AI’s power, show me my path to it I’m seeing machines and robots start to take over jobs in other factories. My company says they will bring in AI but I don’t know what it means for my job. I want to keep working here but I don’t know if I can learn all this new technology. I did not even finish high school. I’m willing to try but I need someone to show me how in a way I can understand. I am willing and optimistic – show me the way forward AI sounds intimidating, but it could actually help make my job easier. If I get proper training, I am being told that we can use AI tools to monitor machines and prevent breakdowns before they happen. Instead of fearing job loss, I see this as a chance to upgrade my skills. Show us how it works with us, not against us, and we are onboard There’s this fear that AI will lead to surveillance, where every move we make is tracked. If the management can show us that they will use AI responsibly, for improving safety and productivity rather than constant monitoring, it would be more acceptable. Perspectives from government bodies We are driven to provide the right tools to SMEs to use AI In repeated interactions with the World Economic Forum, we have been told that many enterprises have expressed a wish for an AI platform where SMEs can easily connect with the right solution providers. We aim to offer financial incentives, subsidize AI implementation costs and create programmes that ensure SMEs see the benefits before they face the financial burden of adoption. AI can improve safety, energy efficiency and productivity. However, the framework should also include awareness programmes to overcome resistance and ensure smooth AI integration across sectors. Research and solution development must go hand in hand Industry need to work continuously with academia in a culture of ongoing research. Perhaps some of our research students can spend some weeks with the companies developing the AI solutions and some of their staff can come to work with us. Such a structure can enable a seamless flow of crucial experience and also ensure that both the research conducted and the solutions produced are as realistic and useful as possible. Visuals from a workshop with MSME promoters in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu Transforming Small Businesses: An AI Playbook for India’s SMEs 18

Transforming Small Businesses 2025