Learning & Skills · Source published 8 July 2026
Research signal
The OECD’s July 2026 paper described uneven AI adoption and skills barriers, including challenges facing smaller firms.
Source: OECD — Skills in the AI age · 8 July 2026.
Event Systematic perspective
An SME does not need to turn every employee into an AI engineer. It does need people who can define a problem, work with information and judge whether a result is useful. Specialist support can address technical integration while the internal team learns to own the process.
Choose one workflow with a manageable scope and a visible business outcome. Give the staff involved enough time to practise and review results. Document the method so capability remains in the business after an external adviser leaves. This is particularly important when one employee carries most of the operational knowledge.
Put it into practice
- Start with a business problem that has a clear owner and baseline.
- Combine short instruction with supervised work on the selected process.
- Plan knowledge transfer and ongoing support as part of the engagement, not an optional final session.
Explore employer services, career development and the AI Academy. Discuss your workforce priorities with Event Systematic →
