Half of Malta’s SMEs have adopted AI tools, yet training remains lacking

Artificial intelligence (AI) adoption among Malta’s SMEs is gaining ground, yet a significant skills gap persists, according to findings from the SME Barometer for Q1 2025.

The survey, conducted by MISCO between 7th and 18th April 2025 among 427 businesses, revealed that just over half (50.8 per cent) of respondents are already making use of AI tools in their daily operations. Despite this promising uptake, the Barometer highlights a worrying trend: The majority of businesses have yet to invest in proper training for themselves or their employees.

In fact, 65.9 per cent of businesses reported that they had not participated in any training initiatives related to AI usage, while only 34.1 per cent had engaged in some form of learning to better understand the technology and its applications.

Looking ahead, enthusiasm for AI remains cautious. Although 29 per cent of businesses indicated plans to implement AI tools within the next 12 months, a substantial 71 per cent said they had no such intentions. This suggests that while early adopters are exploring AI’s potential, widespread integration across the SME sector is still a work in progress.

The Barometer’s recommendations underline the need for public awareness campaigns aimed at educating businesses about the benefits and risks associated with AI. It stresses that training must not be overlooked, noting that without adequate preparation, companies risk failing to fully leverage the transformative potential AI offers.

For business leaders, particularly CEOs, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity: Those willing to invest in upskilling their teams and embedding AI thoughtfully into their operations are likely to be better positioned for future competitiveness.