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Unlocking AI robotics adoption in innovative firms: Make, buy or ally?

Author

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  • Audretsch, David
  • Belitski, Maksim
  • Rejeb, Nada

Abstract

The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence and robotics as emergent technologies has made their application a strategic priority for businesses, especially in the most innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that continually invest in research and development (R&D), innovation, and digital technologies. Despite the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) robotics, the factors that influence its adoption in innovative firms are not well understood. This study addresses this gap by exploring the differential contribution of internal and external sources of knowledge. Using micro-level data from 15,231 innovative SMEs observed during 2004–2020 in the United Kingdom, we apply the make-buy-ally framework to examine how investment in internal knowledge (make) and acquiring external knowledge (buy) and co-creating knowledge via collaboration with external partners (ally) shape AI robotics adoption in the most innovative firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Audretsch, David & Belitski, Maksim & Rejeb, Nada, 2026. "Unlocking AI robotics adoption in innovative firms: Make, buy or ally?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 231(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:231:y:2026:i:c:s0040162526002702
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2026.124793
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