Unlocking AI’s Potential for SMEs: Insights from Meridian’s Tech Envoy Series Dinner

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping economies and industries, and as businesses navigate emerging AI technologies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must not be left behind. This imperative was the focus of an exclusive Meridian Tech Envoy Series salon dinner hosted in partnership with Intuit at Meridian House on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.  

The event brought together U.S. policymakers, global stakeholders, technology industry experts, and private sector leaders, with Intuit Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary Kerry McLean as the guest of honor. Special remarks were given by The Honorable Sam Liccardo (CA-16), U.S. House of Representatives, The Honorable Jennifer Bachus, Acting Head of Bureau for the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy for the U.S. Department of State, and Mr. Audu Besmer, Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. 

Facilitated by The Honorable David Gross, Partner at Wiley Rein, the discussion explored how AI can unlock new opportunities for SMEs, examining strategies for their integration into AI policy dialogues, addressing evolving regulatory landscapes, and outlining practical pathways for small businesses to harness AI’s full potential. 

These Were the Top Takeaways from the Program:

1. Bridging the AI Divide: SMEs Need Accessible, Scalable, and Relevant Solutions 

While large-scale AI investments often focus on advanced technologies like high-powered chips, large language models (LLMs), and cloud computing, SMEs are more concerned with practical applications and interoperability. The conversation underscored the need to develop AI tools tailored to SMEs’ operational realities—ones that enhance efficiency without overwhelming businesses with unnecessary complexity or cost. AI must be democratized to serve as an enabler rather than an inhibitor for SMEs, ensuring that these businesses can adopt and scale solutions that align with their needs.  

2. Fostering Trust and AI Literacy to Drive Adoption 

A critical takeaway from the discussion was the importance of building trust in AI among SMEs. Participants likened the current landscape to the early days of electricity: rather than selling the concept of electricity itself, it was the practical tool—a lightbulb—that convinced consumers of its value. Similarly, increasing AI literacy and demonstrating real-world applications will be key to dispelling fear and encouraging adoption. Getting simple, intuitive AI tools into the hands of users will be essential in fostering confidence and promoting wider integration of AI into everyday business operations. Moreover, in many emerging markets, there is growing emphasis on international collaboration among developing nations to share expertise, build trust, and co-develop AI solutions tailored to local needs. These partnerships are seen as vital for building locally relevant, scalable solutions that address specific developmental needs while promoting a shared sense of trust and autonomy in AI adoption. 

3. The Role of Government: Creating an Enabling Ecosystem, Not Picking Winners 

Rather than picking AI winners, governments should focus on fostering an ecosystem that supports innovation for SMEs. This involves optimizing regulatory environments to ensure SMEs have access to essential data sets and compute capabilities, while promoting workforce development aligned with the evolving AI landscape. Participants highlighted that government intervention should prioritize fostering industry-wide collaboration and innovation rather than dictating technological outcomes. The success of initiatives like the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) underscores the value of international cooperation in AI governance. By facilitating policy alignment, best practice sharing, and collaborative research, GPAI offers important lessons of how governments can create a regulatory environment that encourages SME innovation while safeguarding ethical AI development. 

4. Global AI Competitiveness: U.S.-China Dynamics and the Future of Digital Trade 

The discussion also examined the global AI race, particularly the U.S.-China competition in AI development. While China’s DeepSeek, an open-source LLM, presents a low-cost alternative, U.S.-based solutions such as Intuit Assist or AWS Bedrock are proving that accessibility and affordability can also be achieved domestically. The debate emphasized that competition drives innovation, and the U.S. must leverage its $300 billion trade surplus in services to strengthen its AI leadership while promoting international collaboration that supports SMEs worldwide. 

5. SMEs as Drivers of Innovation in the AI Economy 

Finally, participants reinforced the notion that innovation is not exclusive to large corporations. SMEs are often at the forefront of practical AI applications, pioneering new use cases and driving localized technological advancements. Ensuring that SMEs have a seat at the AI policy table will be vital in shaping regulations that reflect their realities and encourage growth. The conversation emphasized that AI should be seen as a tool for empowerment—one that enables SMEs to scale, compete, and contribute to a dynamic, innovation-driven economy. 

This discussion is part of Meridian’s Tech Envoy Series, which facilitates cross-sector dialogue on how public and private sectors can collaborate to address today’s most pressing technological challenges. 

This Program Series Was Made Possible Through the Support of:

Project summary

Unlocking AI’s Potential for SMEs: Insights from Meridian’s Tech Envoy Series Dinner | March 2025
Impact Areas:	Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity
Program Areas:	Diplomatic Engagement