Entering 2025, the world is witnessing a strong shift from the traditional economy to the digital economy. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, centered on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain technology, is transforming how businesses operate, create value, and participate in the global value chain.
In this context, SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) applying AI and Blockchain is no longer a temporary trend but has become an inevitable condition for survival, sustainable development, and scalable growth.
SME – The Driving Force
In Vietnam and many developing countries, SMEs account for over 95% of all enterprises, contribute more than 40% of GDP, and generate the majority of jobs for the economy. However, SMEs are also the most vulnerable group to macro-level shocks such as supply chain crises, climate change, or technological shifts.
Therefore, without quickly adapting to digital transformation tools like AI and Blockchain, SMEs risk falling behind—not only in domestic competition but also in accessing global markets.
AI and Blockchain – Not Just Technologies, But the New Digital Infrastructure Foundation
AI – The Engine for an Automated and Intelligent Economy
AI not only helps businesses simplify processes but also changes how humans make decisions in management, marketing, finance, and supply chains. With the ability to analyze big data in real-time, AI enables SMEs to understand customer behavior, optimize operational costs, and flexibly adjust business strategies in response to market fluctuations.
Moreover, AI helps “flatten” the gap between small and large enterprises. Popular AI tools such as ChatGPT, Midjourney, and various SaaS solutions allow SMEs to access artificial intelligence resources at very low costs—capabilities that were previously exclusive to large corporations.
Blockchain – The Pillar of Transparency and Security
Meanwhile, Blockchain is not only the foundation for cryptocurrencies but also a core technology for rebuilding processes that require transparency, traceability, and data security. Blockchain is especially useful in sectors like logistics, e-commerce, finance, and agriculture, where trust and provenance are decisive factors.
For SMEs, applying Blockchain to manage smart contracts, cross-border payments, supply chain traceability, or digital asset protection is a strategic move to enhance credibility, reduce costs, and more effectively access global markets.
From Policy to Practice – A Comprehensive Digital Transformation Ecosystem
Government and Support Organizations’ Role
Promoting the adoption of AI and Blockchain by SME cannot rely solely on individual enterprise efforts but requires coordinated participation from the government, industry associations, investment funds, and innovation support organizations.
Incentives such as tax breaks for R&D, financial support for technology investment, and digital skills training programs are key factors in improving SMEs’ capacity to adopt and implement new technologies. In some Asian countries like South Korea and Singapore, governments have established regulatory sandboxes allowing companies to flexibly test Blockchain in financial, logistics, or healthcare models without premature legal constraints.
A Friendly and Sustainable Digital Infrastructure Is Needed
Alongside policies, technological infrastructure—including high-speed internet, cloud computing systems, and national data centers—is also essential. SMEs can only truly “digitize” when the digital ecosystem is accessible, reliable, and cost-effective.
Effective AI and Blockchain Adoption Strategies for SMEs
Start from Specific Needs
Instead of spreading investments thin, enterprises should start from a specific issue such as reducing operating costs, increasing sales efficiency, or building customer trust. With a clear goal, choosing the appropriate AI tools or Blockchain solutions becomes easier and more practical.
Leverage “as-a-service” Models
Rather than investing in separate infrastructure, businesses can use AI-as-a-service (AIaaS) and Blockchain-as-a-service (BaaS) provided by major platforms like Google, Microsoft, IBM, or Vietnamese startups. This approach allows SMEs to access advanced technologies with reasonable costs and high flexibility.
Develop Internal Capabilities Alongside Technology Partners
SMEs need to focus on enhancing their team’s digital skills through training while proactively cooperating with experts, tech startups, innovation centers, or universities to gain knowledge, tools, and deployment experience.
Practical Benefits of AI and Blockchain Application for SME
- Reduce labor costs:
AI automates repetitive tasks, lowering the need for human resources and saving recruitment and management expenses. - Streamline operations:
Internal processes are optimized, redundant steps eliminated, speeding up workflows and increasing efficiency. - Secure and fraud-free transactions:
Blockchain ensures all transactions are transparent, secure, and tamper-proof. - Increase professionalism in customers’ eyes:
AI and Blockchain enable personalized experiences and build customer trust. - Create sustainable competitive advantages:
New technologies help businesses adapt quickly, innovate, and maintain their market position.
Real-world AI/Blockchain Applications in SME in 2025
Life Sciences
Blockchain and AI in pharmaceuticals enhance supply chain visibility and drug traceability, significantly increasing clinical trial success rates. Combining advanced data analytics with decentralized clinical trial systems ensures data integrity, transparency, patient tracking, consent management, and automates data collection and participation.
Healthcare
AI supports most healthcare areas, from treatment recommendations, user demand response, to patient data analysis and hidden pattern detection. When patient data, including electronic health records, are stored on Blockchain, organizations can collaborate to improve care quality while protecting patient privacy.
Marketing and Sales
AI quickly generates advertising content, emails, and SEO articles tailored to customer segments. It also analyzes customer behavior for personalized offers. Blockchain supports transparent, fraud-proof loyalty points and membership card systems. Retail, fashion, and food service businesses often apply these technologies to increase engagement and customer retention.
Financial and Accounting Management
AI automates invoice processing and financial reporting, reducing manual work. Blockchain ensures financial transactions are transparently recorded, easily audited, and fraud-prevented. Financial services, real estate, and e-commerce companies utilize these technologies to improve financial management efficiency.
Supply Chain Management
Blockchain tracks product origins end-to-end, enhancing transparency. AI forecasts inventory and coordinates smart distribution, saving costs and preventing shortages. Food, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries apply these solutions to ensure product quality and safety.
Conclusion: Innovation Is Not an Option but a Necessity
The year 2025 is a pivotal moment. With the rapid development of AI and Blockchain, opportunity doors are opening for SMEs—not only in Vietnam but worldwide. However, to step through those doors, SMEs need a long-term innovation strategy, proactive learning, and full ecosystem support.
With the adoption of AI and Blockchain by SME is a declaration that, regardless of scale, with vision and determination, every business can lead in the digital era.
Source: What is blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI)?
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