Experts explain how AI is transforming SMEs: 'We must overcome our fear of technology'

As part of SME Day, on June 27, a group of leaders from the country's business and technology ecosystem shared strategies for small and medium-sized businesses to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) as a growth tool. The discussion brought together representatives from organizations such as HubBOG, Compensar, Tpaga, Connect, and Atenea, who agreed that adopting new technologies is no longer optional, but essential to compete and prosper.

Recent studies confirm this trend: 66% of SMEs in Colombia already implement artificial intelligence solutions, with 67% reporting increases in productivity, 71% improvements in customer experience, and a 58% reduction in operating times, according to figures from Microsoft and the Colombian Chamber of Electronic Commerce (CCCE). Furthermore, the software and information technology sector already represents more than 3.5% of the country's GDP, according to a joint report by Fedesoft and Cenisoft.

However, a significant gap persists in digital transformation: only 24% of micro, 30% of small, and 54% of medium-sized businesses have made progress in this process, according to data from iNNpulsa Colombia. This shows that, despite the growth of the X-Tech ecosystem, its adoption among MSMEs is still limited.

"There's one technology we need to differentiate from the rest right now, and that's artificial intelligence. So, the main message for SMEs is how the city of Bogotá will adapt to this new technology next year and beyond," said Víctor Saavedra, CEO of Atenea.

Saavedra addressed the role of education in preparing human talent for the digital age. Bogotá, he indicated, is making an unprecedented commitment to technical and higher education with a focus on ICT. "We are investing more than 600 billion pesos in scholarships and training programs for more than 7,000 people. The challenge is to close the talent gap that companies face today," he explained.

In addition, he announced the upcoming opening of the Bogotá Science, Technology, and Innovation Campus, where science- and technology-based startups will be promoted through public calls for proposals and partnerships with accelerators.

On the subject, Diana Gaviria, executive director of Connect, noted that for the world in general, and not just for SMEs, "the disruption of artificial intelligence has arrived and will grow at exponential rates. We must overcome our fear of technology; it is a key tool for improving productivity and competitiveness, and there are so many things that can be done using basic tools to improve business."

Gaviria encouraged SMEs to think beyond size and focus on their capacity for innovation. He explained that a startup is not just a new company, but one with the potential for accelerated growth, supported by technology and strategic alliances.

He also highlighted the importance of open innovation, a model in which companies collaborate with other stakeholders—such as universities, entrepreneurs, or public entities—to solve shared challenges and accelerate results.

Andrés Gutiérrez, co-founder of Tpaga, added that " technology is the tool that can put SMEs on a level with large companies, the tool that can make them equally competitive." He gave the example of tools like Loveable, which allows you to create a website in three minutes. "Today, an SME can launch a product, market it, sell it, and use tools like Tpaga to reach users."

According to Gutiérrez, current tools allow entrepreneurs with little technical experience to develop viable solutions, drawing on examples of innovation from other countries where access to traditional infrastructure is limited but creativity abounds. " Technology truly democratizes the opportunity for an SME to compete without requiring as many resources," he emphasized.

For her part, María Isabel Carrascal, Manager of Education, Employment, and Business Development at Compensar, agreed that the adoption of technology not only increases business efficiency but can also improve employees' quality of life. By automating repetitive tasks, employees can focus on strategic and creative work, generating well-being and a sense of purpose.

He explained that technology “has a great capacity to generate well-being and prosperity for people (…) It transforms the models that companies have,” however, he emphasized that people should not be afraid of technology, “ because it will really begin to free us from many activities that are repetitive, manual, even boring.”

René Rojas, co-founder and CEO of HubBOG, emphasized that today it's possible to create an app without any programming knowledge, which lowers the barriers to entry for new startups.

“Beyond fear, it’s sensitivity to the problems that need solving,” Rojas said.

In his experience, technology not only helps optimize business processes but also creates unique and personalized experiences for customers, such as sending AI-generated songs on special occasions. For Rojas, the challenge lies in overcoming fear of these tools and beginning to integrate them into daily operations.

“Today, more than ever, it is essential to democratize innovation, as it means creating real paths for companies of all sizes to access transformative technologies. X-Tech should no longer be seen as a luxury accessible only to large companies, but as a strategic investment to boost the development, competitiveness, and sustainability of small and medium-sized businesses,” said Sandra Montes, Business Development Coordinator at Compensar.

At the close of the event, the panelists agreed that the path for an SME to evolve into a scalable and technological organization depends on several factors: believing in their capabilities, dedicating time to exploring new tools, staying connected to market needs, and strengthening their support networks.

A practical recommendation: Dedicate two hours a week to exploring artificial intelligence tools. Within a month, you'll notice a change in the way your company operates, suggested Andrés Gutiérrez.

The final message was clear: SMEs now have more opportunities than ever to transform, become more competitive, and even attract investment, as long as they are willing to learn, collaborate, and adapt to the digital environment.

In this context, there are compensation funds like Compensar, which positions itself as a strategic ally for entrepreneurs seeking to develop their businesses with institutional support. According to María Isabel Carrascal, manager of education, employment, and business development, and Luisa Salazar, manager of innovation, this compensation fund not only provides training and support but also connects entrepreneurs with affiliated companies, market opportunities, and solutions to real needs.

One of Compensar's key differentiators, according to its management, is its ability to open its business network to new businesses. "More than investing, what we do is deliver the market," they stated in an interview with EL TIEMPO. This strategy allows entrepreneurs to work directly with a network of more than 100,000 affiliated companies, in a mutually beneficial dynamic.

Compensar has developed an acceleration program for startups, which includes personalized diagnostics and transformation paths tailored to the characteristics and needs of each entrepreneur. "Our goal is truly to accelerate them and bring them closer to all these new possibilities, without requiring a financial investment."

Furthermore, Compensar acts as a bridge that connects capabilities and expands the growth opportunities for entrepreneurs . "We've come to understand how business problems are solved with solutions from startups and research centers. We don't have to do everything ourselves; connecting adds value," he emphasized.

The compensation fund also identifies the level of development of startups, from those in their early stages to those ready to scale. "We are prepared to welcome entrepreneurs with mature technological solutions, but we also support production models that respond to the needs of the environment."

Interested individuals can approach Compensar through its Employment and Business Development Agency. The process begins with registration on the website, followed by an initial contact to assess the status of the venture. From there, a support path is defined that may include training, connections with strategic partners, and engagement with Compensar's internal initiatives.

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*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence.