Intention to Adopt AI of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

This study investigates the factors influencing the intention to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ho Chi Minh City, thereby proposing managerial and policy implications. The study employs an integrated TAM–UTAUT model, in which Behavioral Intention (BI) mediates the relationship between AI Adaptability (AIA) and AI Usability (AIU). Data were collected from 535 SME representatives and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEU) exert significant and positive effects on the intention to adopt AI, which subsequently influences AIA and AIU. The study offers important managerial implications for developing user-friendly AI systems tailored to SMEs’ needs and provides a reference for digital transformation policymaking. The research is limited to SMEs in Ho Chi Minh City; future studies should expand to other contexts and variables to enhance generalizability. The results support SMEs in adopting AI effectively and assist policymakers in formulating innovation-driven policies. AI adoption by SMEs fosters productivity, strengthens competitiveness, and accelerates national digital transformation.