AI adoption grows among SMEs in Latin America

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Latin America are increasingly looking toward artificial intelligence to optimize operations and manage digital presence. In Ecuador, where there are over 1.1 million active companies according to INEC, the focus for SMEs is shifting from merely adopting technology to identifying specific problems that AI can solve, such as customer service, content creation, and data organization.

In Argentina, the company Gurú has launched Luna, an AI-based virtual assistant integrated into its management platform. The tool is designed to help small businesses automate tasks, respond to inquiries, and improve commercial follow-ups. This move addresses a significant gap in the region; data indicates that only 8.7% of organizations in Latin America have reached an advanced level of generative AI implementation.

While an OECD study of SMEs across seven countries found that 31% already use some form of generative AI, the barrier to entry is lowering due to the availability of commercial generative tools. Experts suggest that for small businesses, the priority should be solving concrete operational issues rather than simply purchasing complex technological systems.