What Craftspeople & Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Really Want to Achieve with AI in 2026: Priorities in Focus

AI as the Key to Relief for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

The Government has launched the AI platform “Funding Guide Growth Markets” to specifically ease the burden on small and medium-sized businesses. This innovative solution addresses two central challenges: reducing bureaucracy and simplifying access to funding.

The platform supports SMEs in expanding into international markets and strengthening their competitiveness sustainably. AI-powered tools provide concrete help in creating grant checklists, developing professional business plans, and strategically combining different subsidies.

Digitalization in the Trades: Status Quo and AI Priorities

504 businesses surveyed

Comprehensive 2025 study shows: major opportunities recognized, but also hurdles such as lack of time and uncertainty in using AI

Process support in focus

AI is primarily used for planning, materials logistics, and design — where efficiency gains are immediately noticeable

Craftsmanship remains indispensable

Practical skills and human creativity cannot be replaced by AI — they complement each other

Priority 1

Securing skilled workers through AI-supported processes

40%

Affected by the skilled labor shortage

The shortage of skilled workers remains the biggest concern for mid-sized businesses in Germany

AI technologies offer concrete solutions to staffing challenges: By intelligently automating administrative tasks, existing employees are noticeably relieved and can focus on value-creating activities.

At the same time, digital tools for employee recruitment and training are becoming increasingly important. AI-powered recruiting platforms and personalized learning programs help find talent and retain it over the long term.

Priority 2

Efficiency Gains and Cost Control

Cost pressure continues to rise

Rising costs for labor, materials, and energy are putting increasing pressure on margins in the mid-market sector. This is where AI shows its practical potential especially clearly.

AI-powered optimization

  • Intelligent material procurement reduces costs and waste
  • Energy savings through smart home technologies
  • Digital measuring tools speed up processes and minimize errors

These technologies are developing into significant growth areas in the trades sector.

Priority 3

Sustainability and climate protection as a growth opportunity

The skilled trades are a key sector for the climate transition in Germany. From installing photovoltaic systems and heat pumps to energy-efficient insulation, trade businesses are putting the energy transition into practice.

AI-supported planning

Intelligent systems support the precise planning of climate-friendly projects and optimize resource use

Continuous monitoring

AI tools enable effective monitoring and tracking of the climate protection impact of implemented measures

28 million euros in funding

Programs such as those in NRW and the EU specifically promote climate-friendly, circular economy practices in the middle market

Priority 4

Reducing bureaucracy and accelerating innovation funding

The EFI Report 2026 makes it clear: SMEs are strongly calling for leaner procedures and improved research funding. The current funding landscape is too complex and slows innovation.

AI platforms promise a breakthrough here: They make the complex funding landscape more transparent and significantly simplify the application process. The strategic combination of different funding programs is becoming increasingly important for success.

Priority 5

Strengthen resilience and regional value creation

Geopolitical challenges

Uncertainty and supply chain issues are significantly increasing the need for regional production

Skilled trades ensure functionality

Regional craft businesses ensure reliable supply and rapid on-site responsiveness

AI optimizes resources

Intelligent planning and resource management - AI as a tool, not a replacement for human expertise

Challenges and Opportunities 2026

The situation remains tense

Despite a slight economic recovery: insolvencies, ongoing skilled labor shortages, and bureaucratic hurdles continue to burden small and medium-sized businesses

AI as a strategic lever

Artificial intelligence is developing into a decisive lever for growth, innovation, and competitiveness in the German Mittelstand.

The central necessity: the pace of reform must increase significantly in order to use AI potential in a practical and effective way. Only then can the Mittelstand fully unleash its innovative strength.

Conclusion: AI 2026 – A Tool for Sustainable Small and Medium-Sized Business Success

Practical AI Integration

Tradespeople and SMEs are using AI to reduce workload, increase efficiency, and secure their long-term future

Clear Priorities

Focus on concrete applications: securing skilled labor, climate protection, and process optimization are at the center

Shared Responsibility

Politics and business must work together to create the conditions for AI to unfold its full potential

Time to Act

Now is the moment to strategically integrate AI and actively shape the digital transformation