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on Small Business Management |
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Issue of 2026–02–16
twenty papers chosen by João Carlos Correia Leitão, Universidade da Beira Interior |
| By: | Jingni Zhang; David Popp |
| Abstract: | Electric vehicles (EVs) are crucial for cutting transportation emissions, yet the policy drivers of EV innovation remain underexplored. This study analyzes firm-level panel data on EV and battery patents, covering more than 4, 000 firms across 19 countries from 2010 to 2021, to assess how these policy tools and their interactions in different time horizons influence innovative activity. We test the effects of individual policy instruments that either raise demand for EVs or support the development of EV technologies. Stringent fuel-economy standards, financial incentives, adoption targets, and public R&D investments each significantly increase patenting in EV and battery technologies. Moreover, long-term EV targets amplify the innovative impact of public R&D and standards while diminishing the marginal effect of short-term price signals. The results suggest that governments can accelerate clean automotive innovation by combining long-term adoption commitments with sustained R&D investment or strong performance standards, and by managing these instruments as a coordinated policy portfolio rather than as separate tools. The study contributes cross-country, firm-level evidence that links policy design to the direction of clean technology innovation. |
| JEL: | O31 O38 Q55 |
| Date: | 2026–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:34763 |
| By: | Esther Bailey; Daniel Fehder; Eric Floyd; Yael Hochberg; Daniel J. Lee |
| Abstract: | We use a randomized experiment with 553 science- and technology-based startups in 12 co-working spaces across the US to evaluate the effects of intensive, short-term entrepreneurial training programs on survival and performance for innovation-driven startups. Treated startups are more likely to shut down their businesses and do so sooner than control startups. Conditional on survival, however, treated startups are more likely to raise external funding for their ventures, raise funding faster, and raise more funding than the control group; they also exhibit higher employment and revenue. Treated founders are less likely to found a new startup after shutdown. Our findings are consistent with practitioner arguments that early entrepreneurship training interventions can help entrepreneurs with less viable ventures “rationally quit” (“fail fast”). We use machine learning techniques (causal random forest) to provide exploratory insights on the most impacted subgroups. |
| JEL: | C93 D22 M13 M53 O32 |
| Date: | 2026–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:34755 |
| By: | Diego Ocampo-Corrales (AQR-IREA, University of Barcelona); Rosina Moreno (AQR-IREA, University of Barcelona) |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the role of regions’ recombinatorial technological capacity in shaping the technological space. To do so, we identify novel combinations of technologies and track their evolution by tracing all subsequent inventions that incorporate the same combination. Building on the concepts of relatedness and geographical proximity, we focus on the relevance of the technological antecedents of a pair of technologies combined for the first time in determining their success. This is due through the estimation of the likelihood of a new technological combination eventually becoming embedded within the broader knowledge space. Using patent data from 1976 to 2022 in the case of the European regions, we find strong evidence that a higher degree of relatedness between the technological antecedents of the two combined technologies significantly increases the likelihood that the combination will be reused in future inventions. Additionally, we find that the success of a new combination also benefits from the presence of dissimilar knowledge—not directly involved in the combination’s antecedents but accessible within the surrounding technological environment. In these cases, the greater the relatedness between the new invention’s antecedents and the broader regional knowledge base, the more likely it is to generate a high number of follow-on inventions and contribute meaningfully to the formation of the technological space |
| Keywords: | New combination of technologies, Regional innovation, European regions, Recombination capacity, Knowledge space, Technological antecedents JEL classification:O18, O31, O33, R11 |
| Date: | 2025–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aqr:wpaper:202511 |
| By: | Nocciola, Luca |
| Abstract: | We document empirically the money demand by European non-financial corporations by exploiting a unique and brand-new survey on their cash usage in a stress period. We also assess: (i) the relation between cash held and firm size; and (ii) estimate point values of cash holdings and carry out statistical comparisons along the sectoral and country dimensions. First, we find that cash holdings are inversely related to firm size, providing additional evidence that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) tend to store more cash relative to their larger peers. Second, we find that cash-intensive sectors and” cash-friendly” countries display right-shifted distributions of cash holdings with statistically-significant larger average holdings. We argue that in a low interest rate and low inflation environment cash holdings serve as a store of value for European firms, in particular for SMEs which are more likely to be financially constrained, especially in crisis times. JEL Classification: D22, D25, E41, G01, G32 |
| Keywords: | cash demand, financial crisis, monetary economics, precautionary savings, store of value |
| Date: | 2026–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ecb:ecbwps:20263182 |
| By: | Antonin Bergeaud; Ruveyda Nur Gozen; John Van Reenen |
| Abstract: | We introduce a methodology to measure cross-country trends in innovation capability - “technological trajectories” and implement this on a new rich dataset covering patents between 1836 and 2016 across multiple countries. Intuitively, trajectories are revealed by a country’s sustained increases in patenting across multiple patent offices. We first describe the data patterns, showing the relative decline of the UK, and the rise first of the US and Germany, and then later of Japan and China. We then econometrically estimate trajectories on (i) the post-1902 period for France, Germany, Japan, the UK and US, and (ii) the post-1960 period for a wider sample of 40 countries. Our trajectories are strongly positively correlated with Total Factor Productivity growth, and also (but less strongly) associated with the growth of labour productivity and capital intensity. We show that future trajectories are predicted by a country’s initial levels of R&D, education and defence spending, classic drivers of innovation in modern growth theory. |
| JEL: | O31 O33 O34 |
| Date: | 2026–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:34760 |
| By: | Masatoshi KATO |
| Abstract: | Recent start-up policies and programs increasingly emphasize accelerating the entrepreneurial process, yet the effectiveness of such rapid progress remains unclear. This study investigates the relationship between the duration of nascent entrepreneurial activity and start-up size. Using a rich dataset of new firms in Japan, we examine how the duration of preparation time relates to start-up size. Drawing on the resource-based view in combination with the concept of time compression diseconomies, we argue that the need to accumulate resources in the nascent phase of entrepreneurship depends on entrepreneurs’ prior management and industry work experience. The results reveal that longer preparation increases start-up size for entrepreneurs without prior experience, whereas its marginal returns diminish for those with such experience. These findings imply that the advantages of speed primarily apply to those who possess sufficient initial resources. Consequently, policies should avoid one-size-fits-all acceleration and instead be tailored to the individual entrepreneur’s background. |
| Date: | 2026–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eti:dpaper:26010 |
| By: | Vasilios Kanellopoulos |
| Abstract: | The present paper examines the effect of R&D spillovers on regional innovation in Greece over the 2002-2010 period. The approach taken goes beyond a regional knowledge production function and draws possible explanations from a more extensive pool of R&D related and regional structural variables. Having employed game theory techniques in order to describe the licensing of the patents through royalties and derived the subgame perfect Nash equilibrium under a Stackelberg duopoly, the results obtained accord with findings of previous studies when it comes R&D expenditure related variables and further suggest that the role of highly-qualified employment is instrumental in promoting regional innovation. The results also suggest the benefits of synergies between R&D personnel in manufacturing and other measures of highly-qualified employment as well as R&D expenditure of the public sector and employment in manufacturing business R&D for regional innovation. |
| Date: | 2026–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2602.02274 |
| By: | A. de Costa (University of Moratuwa); Vathsala Wickramasinghe (University of Moratuwa) |
| Abstract: | The objectives of the study were to investigate 1) whether paternalistic leadership affects exploitative and exploratory innovation, and 2) whether intrinsic motivation and environmental dynamism moderate the direct effects of paternalistic leadership on exploitative and exploratory innovation. The study was conducted in Sri Lanka by taking a sample of respondents from the information technology sector. The results indicate a notable distinction between the factors driving exploitative and exploratory innovation. Both types of innovations are significantly affected by paternalistic leadership. However, it has a positive influence on exploitation while it has a negative influence on exploration. Intrinsic motivation significantly predicts only the exploratory innovation, while environmental dynamism significantly predicts only the exploitative innovation. This divergence can be explained by the inherent differences in the nature of these two types of innovation. Overall, this research advances theoretical understanding and provides practical guidance. |
| Keywords: | Employee motivation, Leadership and innovation, Innovation performance, Innovation management, Leadership styles, Environmental dynamism, Intrinsic motivation, Exploratory innovation, Exploitative innovation, Paternalistic leadership |
| Date: | 2026–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05479919 |
| By: | Seong-Young Kim (Rennes SB - Rennes School of Business); Phillip H Kim |
| Abstract: | We study how and why firms shift their interfirm network positions during the routinized regime of a mature high-technology industry. Firms seek benefits from network positions (structural holes or centrality) by forming alliances that move them into these positions and increase their innovation performance. However, during the routinized technology regime, inertia impedes such movements, leading firms a dilemma: whether to continue shifting between two network positions and determine if such shifts yield better outcomes. We analyzed firm network positioning behavior in the semiconductor industry from 1991-2007. Our findings indicate that firms shift toward more central positions, which, in turn, improves innovation performance. These results explain how firms actively shape their network strategy when external conditions discourage such shifts. |
| Keywords: | semiconductor industry, routinized technology regime, high-technology industries, innovation performance, interfirm network positioning |
| Date: | 2025–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05410602 |
| By: | Carlos Plata (TSM - Toulouse School of Management Research - UT Capitole - Université Toulouse Capitole - Comue de Toulouse - Communauté d'universités et établissements de Toulouse - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - TSM - Toulouse School of Management - UT Capitole - Université Toulouse Capitole - Comue de Toulouse - Communauté d'universités et établissements de Toulouse) |
| Abstract: | This article explores the complexities of intangible knowledge transfer in university- industry collaborations, offering a comprehensive view of the current landscape and its future direction. Using a bibliometric and systematic literature review of 1496 articles and 20 selected studies, the research identifies key trends and patterns. Despite differences between academic and practical domains, the study finds that informal networking and personal interactions facilitate mutually beneficial partnerships, regardless of industry type, firm size, or academic specialization. The paper highlights the crucial role of intangible knowledge transfer platforms in fostering effective collaborations and advocates for streamlined protocols to enhance knowledge exchange between academia and businesses. Introducing the Unity Index, the paper provides a novel tool to analyze key authors and relationships between variables, offering new insights and opportunities for future research. This study emphasizes the critical importance of intangible knowledge transfer in university-industry relationships, addressing gaps often overlooked in traditional analyses. |
| Keywords: | University-industry collaboration, Knowledge transfer, Intangible knowledge, Bibliometric analysis |
| Date: | 2024–07–25 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05454253 |
| By: | Philipp Jonas Kreutzer; Josef Taalbi |
| Abstract: | Collaboration is expected to play a central role in the transition to a bioeconomy - a central pillar of a green economy. Such collaboration is supposed to connect traditional biomass processing firms with diverse actors in fields where biomass ought to substitute existing or create novel products and processes. This study analyzes the network of technology collaborations among innovating firms in Sweden between 1970 and 2021. The results reveal generally positive associations between direct and indirect ties, with meaningful increases in innovation output for each additional direct collaboration partner. Relationships between brokerage positions and innovation output were statistically insignificant, and cognitive proximity - while following theoretical expectations - materially insignificant. These associations are mostly equal between actors heavily invested in the bioeconomy and those focusing on other innovation areas, indicating that these actors operate under largely similar mechanisms linking collaboration and subsequent innovation output. These results suggest that stimulating collaboration broadly - rather than attempting to optimize collaboration compositions - could result in higher number of significant Swedish innovations, for bioeconomy and other sectors alike. |
| Date: | 2026–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2602.05112 |
| By: | Antonin Bergeaud; Julia Schmidt; Riccardo Zago |
| Abstract: | Technology standards are defined by national and international organizations to select and disseminate the best technologies and practices. Using a measure of patent quality and a novel measure of the semantic proximity between patents and standards documents, this paper exploits the standardization process to disentangle the respective contributions of innovation and diffusion to firm value. Producing a patent increases a firm’s book value by 0.8% over the first eight years following the patent grant. However, this value deteriorates when the patent is not incorporated into a standard and diffused. In contrast, only firms whose patent specifications are included in a standard experience an additional increase in firm value of about 0.4% thereafter. Similar results are obtained when examining firms’ market-value and net worth. Finally, by studying firm-level productivity and markups, we show that the value gains associated with innovation stem from productivity improvements, whereas those associated with diffusion arise from rent extraction. |
| Keywords: | Standardization, Patents, Innovation, Firm Value |
| JEL: | G30 O31 O33 |
| Date: | 2026 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bfr:banfra:1031 |
| By: | Francis Dillon; Sari Pekkala Kerr; William R. Kerr; Andrew Wang |
| Abstract: | Immigrant students who attend U.S. colleges are disproportionately employed in either large firms—especially multinationals—or small firms and self-employment. Using linked Census and longitudinal employment data, we trace the jobs taken by college students in 2000 during the 2001-20 period and evaluate four mechanisms shaping sector and firm size placement: geographic clustering, degree specialization, firm capabilities/visas, and ethnic self-employment specialization. Degree fields predict large firm and MNE placement, while ethnic specialization explains small firm sorting. Immigrant students who remain in the U.S. earn more than their native peers, suggesting the segmentation reflects productive sorting rather than blocked opportunity. |
| Keywords: | Immigration, college, students, job placements, careers, multi-nationals, assimilation |
| JEL: | F22 F23 F66 I23 J61 L26 M13 M16 |
| Date: | 2026–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cen:wpaper:26-08 |
| By: | Florent Kambasu Kasula (Université catholique du Graben [Butembo, Congo-Kinshasa]); Emerson Kiwele Kimbele; Esther Mulongo Ndala |
| Abstract: | Youth unemployment is one of the major challenges facing several countries. To deal with this, one of the solutions remains the use of entrepreneurship. This is the case in the city of Kalemie, where this study attempts to analyze the entrepreneurial dynamics of young people. Based on a convenience sample of approximately 357 individuals, this exploratory study analyzes their experience of unemployment to finally understand their entrepreneurial motivations, the main challenges they face and the prospects for entrepreneurship development. It uses the model of the three dominant approaches proposed by Fayolle in entrepreneurship research, namely, the trait approach (who is the entrepreneur?), the behavioral approach (what does the entrepreneur do?) and the process approach or organizing process (how does the entrepreneur do it?). |
| Abstract: | Le chômage des jeunes figure parmi les grands défis auxquels font face plusieurs pays. Pour y faire face, une des solutions reste le recours à l'entrepreneuriat. Ainsi, en est-il de la ville de Kalemie où cette étude essaie d'analyser la dynamique entrepreneuriale des jeunes. Basée sur un échantillonnage de convenance de plus ou moins 357 individus, cette étude exploratoire analyse leur expérience du chômage pour comprendre finalement leurs motivations entrepreneuriales, les principaux défis auxquels ils sont confrontés et les perspectives de développement de l'entrepreneuriat. À propos, elle utilise le modèle des trois approches dominantes proposé par Fayolle dans la recherche en entrepreneuriat, à savoir, l'approche par le trait ou trait approach (qui est l'entrepreneur ?), l'approche par les faits ou behavioral approach (que fait l'entrepreneur ?) et l'approche par le processus ou organizing process (comment fait l'entrepreneur ?). |
| Keywords: | youths, Entrepreneurial Education, Kalemie, Kalemie Entrepreneurship, éducation entrepreneuriale, jeunes, Entrepreneuriat, Entrepreneuriat jeunes éducation entrepreneuriale Kalemie Entrepreneurship youths Entrepreneurial Education Kalemie |
| Date: | 2025–11–23 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05381329 |
| By: | Fateh Saci (CHROME - Détection, évaluation, gestion des risques CHROniques et éMErgents (CHROME) - Nîmes Université - UNIMES - Nîmes Université, UMay - Université de Mayotte (UMay)); Sajjad M. Jasimuddin (Kedge BS - Kedge Business School) |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this paper is to empirically study the stakes of Fintech and competition with traditional banks. Through interviews with 18 specialists working in various fintechs, the empirical results show that most of the fintechs elaborate on their in-house technology available via an online customizable platform, while other functionalities considered as out of the core Fintech activities are developed via external outsourcing. Fintechs face significant systemic challenges, including an evolving regulatory framework that can constrain ambitions and the need for rigorous compliance processes. Protecting personal data against hackers is also vital for these start-ups. The paper further shows that banks are not fundamentally threatened by fintech, given their essential role in the economy, especially credit intermediation. The relationship between the two appears more cooperative than competitive, with growing momentum for banks to acquire fintechs to accelerate digitalization and foster innovation. The scientific novelty lies in framing dual tech as a common operating pattern and showing that banks and fintechs are complementary through partnerships and acquisitions. |
| Keywords: | financial innovation, digitalization, competition, traditional banks, fintech |
| Date: | 2025–11–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05462400 |
| By: | Fotini, Maniou; Roido, Mitoula; Vilma, Karagianni; Maria, Manola; Nentas, Dimitrios (Food Bank Foundation - Greece); Klimis, Ntalianis |
| Abstract: | This study explores cultural entrepreneurship in Lesvos, a Greek island with a significant cultural rich, and the perspective for cultural entrepreneurship is such isolated geographical areas to grow and lead a further economic, social, and cultural bloom. The study focuses on quantitative research to analyze local perceptions, willingness to invest in cultural business, and the way that cultural entrepreneurship enforces social cohesion and regional identity. The results indicate that such cultural entrepreneurship forms an added economic branch, which, despite its positive impact, is subjected to seasonality challenges, funding limitations, and infrastructural constraints. A connection between annual income per person and cultural activities is also found, while also the article also focuses on actions that may sustain cultural entrepreneurship, involving other stakeholders. |
| Date: | 2025–12–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:5wmrp_v1 |
| By: | Martin Beraja; Francisco J. Buera |
| Abstract: | Are competition policies designed for static industries suitable for innovative industries where dynamic competition for the market is key? If not, how should policies differ? We develop a model of the life-cycle of an oligopolistic industry: a version of Jovanovic and MacDonald (1994) with a finite number of firms. The equilibrium features a period of intense entry, followed by a shakeout and eventual industry concentration as some firms scale through innovation while most exit. We analyze the second-best problem of a government subsidizing small firms to promote competition. Innovation and dynamic competition do not necessarily justify intervention, as the equilibrium can still be second best. In general, the optimal policy depends on the nature of competition. Firms primarily compete for the market when innovation leads to large differences in scale. The government can wait to intervene in this case; committing to do whatever it takes to promote competition if and when the industry concentrates excessively. Subsidies early in the life-cycle are unnecessary. These results contrast with calls for aggressive ex-ante regulation in highly innovative industries, suggesting a wait-and-see approach may be preferable. We apply these insights to digital and AI industries in the U.S. using data on venture-backed firms. |
| JEL: | E0 L0 O3 |
| Date: | 2026–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:34770 |
| By: | Mallardi, Giulio; Leogrande, Angelo; Drago, Carlo; Costantiello, Alberto |
| Abstract: | The current research aims to examine the reasons behind the higher ERP system integration in some European countries compared to others. This research conceptualizes ERP system integration not merely as a technological phenomenon but also as a strategic organizational capability. This research is based on the existing literature on Strategic Information Systems, digital transformation, and IT-Business alignment. This research aims to explore the impact of the external innovation ecosystem on ERP system diffusion and assimilation. This research utilizes a mixed research method that combines panel data analysis with machine learning algorithms and cluster analysis. This research utilizes panel data analysis by combining the ERP system integration data from the EUROSTAT database with the European Innovation Scoreboard. This research identifies that countries with higher innovation ecosystem maturity exhibit higher ERP system integration. This research also identifies different patterns of ERP system integration in various clusters of countries. This research has managerial implications that highlight the strategic importance of ERP system integration. This research also has implications for policymakers that highlight the importance of investing in the innovation ecosystem. This research contributes to the existing literature on Strategic Information Systems by combining macro-level data analysis with strategic insights on ERP system integration.Keywords: ERP integration, Strategic information systems, Innovation ecosystem, IT–business alignment, Digital transformation |
| Date: | 2026–01–29 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:rb2sz_v1 |
| By: | Bredtmann, Julia; Otten, Sebastian; Rammert, Timo |
| Abstract: | We examine how occupational licensing shapes entrepreneurship in Germany's crafts sector. We exploit two sequential reforms that shifted entry barriers across occupations: a 2004 deregulation that relaxed licensing requirements and a 2020 partial re-regulation that reinstated them for a subset of crafts. Using administrative universe data at the occupation-year level and event-study difference-in-differences designs, we find that the 2004 deregulation led to a large and persistent increase in firm entry, a lagged rise in firm exits, and an expansion in the stock of firms. At the same time, completed master examinations declined markedly. The 2020 re-regulation reverses these patterns: master examinations increase, while firm entry, firm exit, and the stock of firms fall relative to occupations that remained deregulated. Overall, stricter entry requirements raise investment in formal credentials, yet reduce entrepreneurial turnover and market dynamism. |
| Abstract: | Wir untersuchen, wie sich die berufliche Zulassung auf das Unternehmertum im deutschen Handwerkssektor auswirkt. Wir nutzen zwei aufeinanderfolgende Reformen, die die Zugangsbarrieren für verschiedene Berufe verändert haben: eine Deregulierung im Jahr 2004, durch die die Zulassungsvoraussetzungen gelockert wurden, und eine teilweise Re-Regulierung im Jahr 2020, durch die diese für einen Teilbereich des Handwerks wieder eingeführt wurden. Anhand von administrativen Daten auf Berufs- und Jahresebene und mithilfe von Event-Study-Differenz-in-Differenzen-Modellen zeigen unsee Ergebnisse, dass die Deregulierung von 2004 zu einem starken und anhaltenden Anstieg der Unternehmensgründungen, einem verzögerten Anstieg der Unternehmensschließungen und einem Ansteig des Unternehmensbestands geführt hat. Gleichzeitig ging die Zahl der abgeschlossenen Meisterprüfungen deutlich zurück. Die Re-Regulierung von 2020 kehrte diese Muster um: Die Meisterprüfungen nehmen zu, während die Zahl der Unternehmensgründungen, Unternehmensschließungen und der Unternehmensbestand im Vergleich zu den weiterhin deregulierten Berufen zurückgeht. Insgesamt führen strengere Zugangsvoraussetzungen zu höheren Investitionen in formale Qualifikationen, verringern jedoch die Unternehmensfluktuation und die Marktdynamik. |
| Keywords: | Entrepreneurship, business dynamism, firm entry and exit, regulatory barriers, occupational licensing |
| JEL: | J24 J44 L26 L51 M13 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:rwirep:335898 |
| By: | Sanaa Dfouf; Kaoutar Errakha; Hanan Elharissi (FEG SETTAT - Faculté d’Économie et de Gestion de Settat); Mohammed Khaouja (ERMOT - Laboratoire "Etudes et recherches en Management des Organisations et des Territoires" [Fez] - USMBA - Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah); Fekkak Hamdi |
| Abstract: | In this study, the use of AI in marketing in Morocco is assessed, showcasing the disparity in the use of this technology per sector. Adoption is very advanced in the Banking and E-commerce sectors (92% and 78%, respectively), where chatbots and predictive analytics are used, achieving an ROI of 3.2 years. In contrast, SMEs and other traditional sectors have much more difficulty (23% adoption) because of the initial investment of 380, 000 MAD on average and the local expertise drain (only 12% of the trainers in academia have any knowledge about AI).SMEs sit within the longest timeframes (3.2 years) to see positive ROI, while large companies see it in 1.8 years, highlighting the disparity of digital maturity in sectors. 367 professionals from diverse sectors participated in the survey, and the quantitative results show the positive impact of AI on performance, achieving a 22% decrease in acquisition costs, 34% increase in customer satisfaction, and 27% increase in marketing ROI. Additional barriers encumber the expected results, including cultural (scepticism from 44% of managers) and geographic (78% of all projects are concentrated in Casablanca and Rabat).Using a score of 3.2/5 for Adoption, Morocco is ranked higher than Egypt, 3.0, but still lacks behind South Africa, 3.8, which possesses a more advanced technological ecosystem. To boost adoption, the study recommends: (1) Partnerships between universities and businesses to provide custom training, (2) A policy for the rational use of data, and (3) Local, affordable (language, mobile-first) tailored pockets for the informal sector/SMEs.Based on the above, the promise AI offers Morocco is tangible, but not without the need for customized and differentiated policies to address interregional and inter-sector imbalance. For this to happen, coordinated action from the public and private sectors and academia will be necessary to support the shift. |
| Keywords: | Artificial Intelligence Data-Driven Marketing Digital Transformation Developing Countries SMEs Sectoral Adoption, Artificial Intelligence, Data-Driven Marketing, Digital Transformation, Developing Countries, SMEs, Sectoral Adoption |
| Date: | 2025–11–25 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05383511 |