Facilitating AI Implementation A Framework for Implementing Generative AI and AI Agents at Manufacturing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in the Gothenburg Region

Sammanfattning

The rapid advancement of generative AI (GenAI) and AI agents presents significantstrategic opportunities within the industrial sector, yet small and medium-sized en-terprises (SMEs) frequently struggle to navigate the socio-technical complexities oftechnology implementation. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework tai-lored to management teams within manufacturing SMEs in the Gothenburg region,facilitating their transition from traditional workflows to AI-augmented operations.Utilising a qualitative multi-method research design, a systematic literature reviewof 15 academic papers was conducted to examine the drivers and barriers of SMEtechnology adoption, complemented by local empirical insights gathered from eightsemi-structured interviews involving 14 participants across various operational roles.Through an iterative development process, the theoretical and empirical findingswere synthesised inductively through thematic analysis and subsequently deduc-tively mapped using the Technology-Organisation-Environment-Individual (TOEI)framework.The study identifies 15 distinct Influencing Factors shaping implementation, culmi-nating in the development of the AKSEA Framework. To facilitate local utilisation,the framework was created in Swedish and is structured around five core PriorityAreas: Ansvar (Responsibility), Kompetens (Competence), Strategi (Strategy), En-gagemang (Engagement), and AI-policy (AI Policy). The empirical findings revealthat local SMEs exhibit significant variations in digital maturity, necessitating anon-sequential, flexible architecture for the AKSEA Framework. Rather than en-forcing a rigid roadmap, it functions as a dynamic decision-support tool. Ultimately,this study concludes that successful GenAI and AI agent implementation withinmanufacturing SMEs requires a shift from general models toward context-specific,adaptable guidance, thereby enabling management to formulate tailored strategiesaligned with their unique organisational readiness.