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AI Business Applications Training and Business Outcomes: An Inclusive Intervention for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs

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  • Drydakis, Nick

    (Anglia Ruskin University)

Abstract

This study investigates the associations between university-led training in AI business applications and business outcomes among small firms, with a focus on underrepresented entrepreneurs in England, Wales, and Scotland. A total of 121 non-native, disabled, and non-heterosexual entrepreneurs participated in a four-month training programme covering AI applications for communication, finance, project management, and other key business functions. Data were collected before the training (2023) and one year later (2024). Using panel data estimates, the findings indicate that, post-training, firms experienced an increase in digital competencies, which were positively associated with customer satisfaction, entrepreneurs’ empowerment, and revenue growth. Notably, interaction effects showed that these associations were significantly strengthened following the training. Additional results reveal that, after the training, firms not only adopted a greater number of AI business applications but also used them more frequently. These behaviours were found to be associated with improvements in business outcomes. The study demonstrates how innovative educational interventions can support entrepreneurs in developing digital competencies.

Suggested Citation

  • Drydakis, Nick, 2025. "AI Business Applications Training and Business Outcomes: An Inclusive Intervention for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs," IZA Discussion Papers 18143, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18143
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • M15 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - IT Management
    • D22 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis
    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models

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