Paper Number
ICIS2026-2177
Paper Type
Short
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly improve organizational performance, yet many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggle to implement it effectively. Existing research emphasizes organizational-level capabilities but gives limited attention to the micro-level mechanisms that enact them. To address this gap, this study introduces AI Facilitator capability as a micro-foundational mechanism that helps SMEs operationalize dynamic capabilities in AI implementation. Drawing on dynamic capability theory, this study conceptualizes AI Facilitator capability as comprising business analysis skill, AI fluency, and boundary spanning skill. These capabilities support sensing, seizing, and transforming AI opportunities, enabling SMEs to embed AI into routines, achieve socio-technical alignment, and enhance performance. The study is expected to contribute to literature by positioning the AI Facilitator and AI Facilitator capability as micro-foundational mechanisms for socio-technical alignment in AI implementation and extending dynamic capability theory.
Recommended Citation
Lee, Maggie C. M.; Anwar, Misita; Korthaus, Axel; Bingley, Scott; and Burgess, Stephen, "Artificial Intelligence (AI) Facilitator: Towards a Micro-Foundational Capability Framework for Effective AI Implementation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises" (2026). ICIS 2026 Proceedings. 6.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2026/implement/implement/6
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Facilitator: Towards a Micro-Foundational Capability Framework for Effective AI Implementation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly improve organizational performance, yet many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggle to implement it effectively. Existing research emphasizes organizational-level capabilities but gives limited attention to the micro-level mechanisms that enact them. To address this gap, this study introduces AI Facilitator capability as a micro-foundational mechanism that helps SMEs operationalize dynamic capabilities in AI implementation. Drawing on dynamic capability theory, this study conceptualizes AI Facilitator capability as comprising business analysis skill, AI fluency, and boundary spanning skill. These capabilities support sensing, seizing, and transforming AI opportunities, enabling SMEs to embed AI into routines, achieve socio-technical alignment, and enhance performance. The study is expected to contribute to literature by positioning the AI Facilitator and AI Facilitator capability as micro-foundational mechanisms for socio-technical alignment in AI implementation and extending dynamic capability theory.
Comments
12_Implementation_and_organizing