Artificial Intelligence as a Competitiveness Factor for SMEs: A Multidimensional Perspective Integrating Technological, Organizational and Competency Dimensions

Purpose: The aim of the article is to identify the key determinants of competitiveness among small and medium-sized enterprises in the context of digital transformation, with particular emphasis on the role of artificial intelligence (AI), managerial capabilities and organizational digitalization. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study is based on logistic regression analysis conducted on a sample of 1013 small and medium-sized enterprises from five European countries: Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Italy and Germany.Findings: In the AI implementation model, international collaboration emerged as a statistically significant predictor of competitiveness, highlighting the importance of global innovation networks in the adaptation and effective use of advanced technologies.In the competency-digitalization model, three factors proved significant: the level of digitalization, managerial readiness to implement AI and innovation orientation.Country-level analyses additionally revealed differences in competitiveness determinants across nations, indicating the role of local institutional conditions and varying levels of digital maturity.