Threefold model for AI Readiness: A Case Study with Finnish Healthcare SMEs
It addresses AI adoption challenges for healthcare SMEs and policymakers, but is incremental as it applies existing frameworks to a specific case.
This study examined AI adoption among Finnish healthcare SMEs, identifying three engagement categories (AI-curious, AI-embracing, AI-catering) and key barriers like regulatory complexities and technical gaps, with most SMEs in early adoption stages.
This study examines AI adoption among Finnish healthcare SMEs through semi-structured interviews with six health-tech companies. We identify three AI engagement categories: AI-curious (exploring AI), AI-embracing (integrating AI), and AI-catering (providing AI solutions). Our proposed threefold model highlights key adoption barriers, including regulatory complexities, technical expertise gaps, and financial constraints. While SMEs recognize AI's potential, most remain in early adoption stages. We provide actionable recommendations to accelerate AI integration, focusing on regulatory reforms, talent development, and inter-company collaboration, offering valuable insights for healthcare organizations, policymakers, and researchers.