Capability 4.2.1.2
SMEs & Startups
Definition
The extent to which small and medium enterprises and early stage ventures adopt and integrate AI across operations, decision-making and product development.
Examples
- Using platforms for automating recruitment and onboarding processes, leveraging AI tools for coding and product development, contract reviews or project management automation.
Indicators
- NAIC AI Adoption Tracker
- Percentage of enterprises using AI technologies (Eurostat)
- AI recruitment
National AI Plan
PLAN COMMITMENT
Significant commitment
Strong focus on small and medium enterprise (SME) AI adoption through AI Adopt Centres ($17 million), and expansion of the NAIC ($39.9 million) (Action 2, Action 4). As well as the Future Skills Organisation (FSO) Skills Accelerator and Digital Knowledge Exchange (Action 5). Significant commitment by government in the plan exceeds the recommendation to maintain and monitor, signalling clear intent to build agency.
Stocktake
Digital Lives of Austalians 2025. auDA . https://files.auda.org.au/documents/Digital-Lives-of-Australians-2025-report.pdf
National AI readiness index report 2025. Decidr. 2025. https://www.decidr.ai/national-ai-readiness-index-report-2025
Startup Muster 2024. Startup Muster. December 2024. https://www.startupmuster.com/reports
2025 AI Deployment and Governance Survey Report. Governance Institute of Australia. 2025. https://www.governanceinstitute.com.au/thought-leadership/2025-ai-deployment-and-governance-survey-report/download-report/
Unlocking Australia’s AI Potential 2025. Amazon Web Services. August 2025. https://www.unlockingaispotential.com/australia
AI Adoption Tracker. National Artificial Intelligence Centre, Department of Industry, Science and Resources. 4 June 2025. https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/ai-adoption-tracker
Be part of the AI revolution with AI Adopt Centres. Department of Industry, Science and Resources. 16 October 2024. Accessed October 2025. https://www.industry.gov.au/news/be-part-ai-revolution-ai-adopt-centres
Is the Stocktake missing evidence?
Share additional information for potential future Assessments