Purpose

This study aims to predict artificial intelligence (AI) technology development and the impact of AI utilization activity on companies, to identify AI strategies dealing with the broad innovation activity of AI, and to construct the strategic decision-making framework of AI strategies for a small- and medium-sized enterprise (hereafter SME), to improve strategic decision-making practices of AI strategy in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the multiple methods on the design of two data collection stages. The first stage is an expertise-based approach. It organized the three groups of expert panels and conducted the Delphi survey on them in combination with the brainstorming of technology, innovation and strategy in the fourth industrial revolution. The second stage is in the complement approach of expertise-based results. It used the literature review to involve the analysis of academic and practical papers, reports and audio materials relating to technology development, innovation types and strategies of AI. Additionally, it organized the four semi-structured interviews. Finally, this study used the mind-map and decision tree to conduct each analysis and synthesize each analytical result.

Findings

This study identifies the precondition and four paths of AI technological development classifying into specialized AI, AI convergence with other technologies, general AI and AI control methods. It captures the impact of non- and technological innovation through AI on companies. Second, it identifies and classifies the six types of AI strategy: the bystander, capability-building, capability-holding, management-enhancing, market-enhancing and new-market-creating strategy. By using the decision tree, it constructs the strategic decision-making framework containing six AI strategies. Actionable points, strategic priorities and relevant instruments are suggested.

Research limitations/implications

The strategic decision-making framework covering from AI technology development to utilization in a SME can help understand the strategic behaviours in SMEs. The typology of six AI strategies implies the broad innovation behaviours in SMEs. It can lead to further research to understand the pattern of strategic and innovation behaviour on AI.

Practical implications

This practical study can help executives, managers and engineers in SMEs to develop their strategic practices through the strategic decision framework and six AI strategies.

Originality/value

This practical study elicits the six types of AI strategy and constructs the strategic decision-making framework of six AI strategies from AI technology development to utilization. It can contribute to improving the practices of strategic decision-making in SMEs.

中文翻译：

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从人工智能技术开发到中小企业应用活动的前瞻和战略决策框架

目的

本研究旨在预测人工智能（AI）技术的发展以及人工智能利用活动对企业的影响，确定处理人工智能广泛创新活动的人工智能战略，并构建小型企业人工智能战略的战略决策框架。 - 中型企业（以下简称中小企业），改善中小企业人工智能战略的战略决策实践。

设计/方法论/途径

本研究采用多种方法设计两个数据收集阶段。第一阶段是基于专业知识的方法。组织了三组专家小组，结合第四次工业革命的技术、创新和战略的头脑风暴，对他们进行了德尔菲调查。第二阶段是基于专业知识的结果的补充方法。采用文献综述的方式，对与人工智能技术发展、创新类型和策略相关的学术和实践论文、报告和音频材料进行分析。此外，它还组织了四次半结构化访谈。最后，本研究利用思维导图和决策树进行各项分析并综合各个分析结果。

发现

本研究明确了人工智能技术发展的前提和四种路径，分为专用人工智能、人工智能与其他技术的融合、通用人工智能和人工智能控制方法。它通过人工智能捕捉非创新和技术创新对公司的影响。其次，它识别并分类了六种人工智能战略：旁观者战略、能力建设战略、能力持有战略、管理增强战略、市场增强战略和新市场创造战略。利用决策树构建了包含六种人工智能策略的战略决策框架。提出了可行的要点、战略重点和相关文书。

研究局限性/影响

涵盖从人工智能技术开发到中小企业应用的战略决策框架可以帮助理解中小企业的战略行为。六种人工智能策略的类型暗示了中小企业广泛的创新行为。它可以引导进一步的研究，以了解人工智能的战略和创新行为模式。

实际影响

这项实践研究可以帮助中小企业的高管、经理和工程师通过战略决策框架和六种人工智能策略来发展他们的战略实践。

原创性/价值

本实践研究引出了六种人工智能战略，并构建了六种人工智能战略从人工智能技术开发到利用的战略决策框架。它有助于改善中小企业的战略决策实践。