> **来源：[研报客](https://pc.yanbaoke.cn)** # Summary of the 2026 OECD D4SME Survey: Empowering SMEs in the Age of AI ## Core Content The **2026 OECD Digital for SMEs (D4SME) Survey** provides insights into the digital transformation of over 2000 SMEs across twelve OECD countries. It highlights the increasing adoption of AI tools, the current state of digital maturity, and the challenges SMEs face in integrating digital and AI technologies into their operations. The survey also explores the role of government support, digital security, and financial technologies in SME digitalisation. ## Main Findings ### AI Adoption and Use - **61%** of SMEs report using at least one AI-enabled application, showing a rapid increase in AI uptake. - **76%** of AI users are classified as **AI Novices**, using simple, off-the-shelf tools for isolated tasks. - Only **5%** are **AI Explorers**, experimenting with customised or advanced AI tools. - **3.6%** are **AI Champions**, deploying AI across most business areas with more complex and tailored solutions. - **Marketing-related activities** are the most common use of AI tools (70%), while **demand prediction** is the most frequent use of customised AI systems (39%). ### Digital Maturity - SMEs show **significant variation in digital maturity**. - **22%** are at the **basic** level, relying on foundational tools like email and office software. - **49%** are at **competent** or **advanced** levels, integrating digital tools across multiple functions or using cutting-edge technologies like AI, IoT, and data analytics. - **Digital maturity is uneven**, with large firms adopting AI more rapidly than SMEs, increasing the firm-size gap to **35 percentage points** in 2025. ### Motivations and Barriers - **Efficiency** and **growth** are the main motivations for adopting digital tools. - **Maintenance costs (39%)**, **lack of time for training (38%)**, and **skills gaps** are the top barriers to effective implementation. - **Generative AI** is used by **21%** of firms to address digital skills needs. ### Cybersecurity Challenges - **46%** of SMEs report having **no or minimal cybersecurity measures**. - **22%** have experienced a **digital security breach**, indicating growing exposure to risks. - Cybersecurity readiness is **limited**, with only a small minority conducting regular access reviews, training, or third-party audits. - Cybersecurity concerns are seen as a **major barrier** to further digitalisation. ### Financial Technologies (FinTech) - **46%** of SMEs use digital financial services, mainly for **payments**. - **58%** of non-adopters cite **limited awareness** as the main obstacle. - **22%** do not understand how FinTech services operate, highlighting gaps in **financial and digital literacy**. ### Government Support - **16%** of SMEs have benefited from public digitalisation programmes. - **65%** of non-beneficiaries cite **lack of awareness** as the main barrier. - **Administrative complexity** and **misalignment with firm needs** further hinder uptake. - **Financial aid** is the most common form of support in **Japan**, while **training** remains underutilised. - **24%** of SMEs across all countries express a desire for **more affordable and flexible training**. ### Skills and Training - **60%** of SMEs have a **digitalisation strategy**, but **informal and external channels** are the main sources of digital skills. - **32%** rely on **internet search**, **24%** on **personal networks**, and **29%** on **external consultants**. - **Digital skills development** is a key focus, with **structured training** and **internal capacity building** linked to higher digital maturity. ### Mental Well-being - There is a **notable impact of digitalisation on mental well-being**. - **23%** of SMEs that use AI **enterprise-wide** report transformational benefits, compared to **2%** using AI for isolated tasks. - **Self-employed** and **micro-enterprises** report higher AI impact than **medium-sized firms**. ### Sample Characteristics - **74%** of respondents are **self-employed or micro-enterprises** (1-9 employees), and **18%** are small businesses (10-49 employees), totaling **92%**. - **Retail** is **overrepresented** (42%), followed by **food and beverage (15%)**, **wholesale trade (12%)**, and **manufacturing (10%)**. - **CEO age** is a key factor, with **31%** aged 45-54, **27%** aged 55-64, and **16%** aged 65 or above. - **Self-employment** is dominated by **men (65%)**, while **gender balance** is more even among non-managerial employees. ## Key Information - The survey is **non-representative**, as it focuses on SMEs using digital platforms. - **Japan** is a major contributor to the sample, with **1376 responses**, offering **deep insights** into SME digital maturity and AI use. - The **OECD G7 AI Taxonomy** is used to classify AI adoption, revealing a **gap between experimentation and transformation**. - **Digital security** and **FinTech literacy** are critical areas needing improvement. - **Public support programmes** could be more **visible, accessible, and tailored** to increase their impact. - **Training** is seen as a key enabler, but **affordability and flexibility** remain major concerns. ## Conclusion The 2026 D4SME Survey underscores the **progress and asymmetries** in SME digitalisation. While AI and digital tools are increasingly adopted, **strategic and secure integration** is still limited. **Cybersecurity**, **skills development**, and **government support** are crucial for enabling SMEs to fully benefit from digital transformation. The survey highlights the need for **targeted policies** to bridge the gap between current practices and the potential for **transformative digital and AI integration**.