In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has gone from being just an emerging technology to an essential tool for business competitiveness. According to a 2024 McKinsey report, 50 percent of companies adopting AI have already included a figure with responsibilities similar to those of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO). But while in large companies the CAIO is an established figure, in SMEs there is often no dedicated role. This is not to say that there is no need for a well-defined AI strategy for the SME in question; quite the opposite, in fact.
Who is the CAIO and why is he or she needed in companies?
The CAIO is not just a technology expert: he is a facilitator of change, the bridge between innovation and business. His goal is to ensure that AI is adopted strategically and consciously, generating a tangible impact on the organization. The CAIO is thus the spokesperson for a true AI strategy for the SME. Its main functions include:
- Defining an AI vision for the company: identifying areas where AI can make a difference.
- Managing AI projects: ensuring that investments in AI are sustainable and targeted.
- Promote an AI-oriented culture: spread AI skills and knowledge within the organization.
- Ensure governance and compliance: ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI.
According to a Gartner survey, 60 percent of European SMEs plan to adopt AI by 2026, but fewer than 30 percent have a structured plan to do so. Here the need for a clear approach emerges: where there is no CAIO, an AI strategy is still needed.
SMEs: CAIO as a widespread function
In SMEs, it is often unrealistic to create a specific CAIO role despite the need to have a clear, SME-specific AI strategy. The solution? Distribute AI competencies among several key figures instead of centralizing them in a single role. Some practical examples:
- IT or innovation manager: lead the development of AI solutions integrated into business processes.
- Sales and marketing management: leverages AI for data analysis, offer customization, and sales optimization.
- Human resources: uses AI for recruitment, training and performance monitoring.
In practice, the distributed model enables the creation of an effective AI strategy for the SME without establishing a new hierarchical role, but by integrating AI into the corporate DNA.
How to structure an AI strategy for SMEs without a CAIO?
Without an official CAIO, SMEs need to take an informed and structured approach to AI. Here are some basic steps:
- Identify priorities: what are the business areas where AI can generate the greatest impact?
- Develop internal skills: training and refresher courses for business managers.
- Test AI solutions in small pilots: start with low-risk projects before large-scale adoption.
- Create an AI roadmap: establish a clear and realistic implementation plan.
- Monitor results: use specific KPIs to measure the effectiveness of AI solutions.
The CAIO Master: an opportunity for SMEs
To help companies develop these skills, Roncucci&Partners and Digitiamo have created, with the collaboration of Confindustria Bergamo, the Master CAIO, a training course that offers practical tools to manage the adoption of AI without the need of a centralised role. Through workshops and real cases, participants acquire skills that are immediately applicable in the business context. The programme includes modules on:
- Fundamentals of AI and machine learning
- Economic and financial management of AI projects
- Change management and AI culture
- Legal aspects and data governance
AI is a strategic lever for companies of all sizes. Even without a dedicated resource and a role played by a dedicated person, SMEs can build an effective AI strategy by distributing skills across different business functions.
This requires vision, method and training: three pillars that the CAIO Master helps to develop. If your company wants to make the most of the potential of AI, now is the right time to start.
At Roncucci&Partners we help companies develop themselves and their business, embrace change and evolve to thrive in a world that is increasingly complicated, insidious and requires great expertise. We do this by applying punctual methods and rigorous strategies, the result of many years of experience and the richness of the numerous success stories we have conducted all over the world. Passion and method are indeed our guides to enhance the present and build the future.
