GUIDING TRANSFORMATION: A THREE-DIMENSIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR DIGITAL MATURITY AND AI INTEGRATION IN MALAYSIAN SMES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v7i1.959Keywords:
digital maturity, AI integration, SMEs in Malaysia, digital transformation, strategic framework, PRISMAAbstract
The rapid changes occurring in the current digital landscape present significant hurdles for Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly in establishing sufficient digitalization maturity and successfully incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies into their operations. Despite the growing accessibility of various digital resources, a stark reality is that a mere 6.8% of Malaysian SMEs are currently equipped to fully embed AI across all their business activities. This research endeavours to bridge this critical deficiency by formulating a comprehensive strategic framework that directly links organizational maturity in digitalization with their readiness to adopt AI. A systematic literature review was executed using the PRISMA methodology, meticulously examining 60 peer-reviewed scholarly articles retrieved from prominent academic databases. Drawing upon these crucial insights, the study proposes a targeted, three-dimensional framework designed specifically to navigate the digital transformation journey for Malaysian SMEs. This framework is comprised of three core components: (1) Digital Infrastructure and Capability, (2) Strategic Alignment and Governance, and (3) Innovation and Value Creation. This structured framework offers actionable, practical guidance aimed at overcoming the prevalent challenges associated with advancing digitalization maturity and successfully implementing AI, creating a clear, sustainable route for the digital transformation of Malaysian SMEs.
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