Abstract
SMEs are vital nodes in global value chains but remain constrained in accessing AI-driven supply chain innovation. Existing research highlights AI’s efficiency potential while overlooking human agency, contextual fit, and ecosystem inequalities. This review synthesizes strategic, humancentered, and socio-technical theories to reveal three gaps—design, governance, and scale. It proposes a capability-centric, three-layer AI framework—foundational enablement, contextspecific applications, and responsible governance—to build equitable, agency-enhancing AI ecosystems that empower SMEs and support sustainable, resilient development.
Recommended Citation
Sencer, Asli; Iliashchenko, Konstantin; Ağın, Tahir Murat; Akçakaya, Muhammed Yusuf; and Sayınbaş, Oğuzhan, "Designing AI Systems for Global SME Development" (2025). GlobDev 2025. 8.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/globdev2025/8