intelligence rewiredArtificial Intelligence (AI) promises to boost productivity and innovation, yet many of Canada’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have been slow to adopt AI solutions. This hesitancy is paradoxical given Canada’s strength in AI research and talent development. What's going on? We explore the reasons, and possible solutions in this report.
intelligence rewiredEastern Ontario’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have undergone a rapid digital transformation since the COVID‑19 pandemic. Lockdowns and remote work requirements in 2020–21 forced even the most traditional local businesses to embrace online tools—from setting up e-commerce shops to using video calls and chat apps. This digital groundwork has paved the way for accelerated artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in recent years. In fact, many entrepreneurs are using AI without even realizing it: initially only 39% thought they used AI, but once shown common AI-powered tools (like smart email filters or chatbots), 66% recognized they were already leveraging AI in their operations Now, as we emerge from the pandemic, Eastern Ontario’s SMBs are exploring AI more proactively to drive efficiency, growth, and innovation.
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