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

Abstract

The rapid advancement of generative AI (GenAI) and AI agents presents significant strategic opportunities within the industrial sector, yet small and medium-sized en- terprises (SMEs) frequently struggle to navigate the socio-technical complexities of technology 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 review of 15 academic papers was conducted to examine the drivers and barriers of SME technology adoption, complemented by local empirical insights gathered from eight semi-structured interviews involving 14 participants across various operational roles. Through an iterative development process, the theoretical and empirical findings were 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 Priority Areas: Ansvar (Responsibility), Kompetens (Competence), Strategi (Strategy), En- gagemang (Engagement), and AI-policy (AI Policy). The empirical findings reveal that local SMEs exhibit significant variations in digital maturity, necessitating a non-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 within manufacturing SMEs requires a shift from general models toward context-specific, adaptable guidance, thereby enabling management to formulate tailored strategies aligned with their unique organisational readiness.