Summary: New Zealand SMBs Lag in Digital Adoption and Growth
New Zealand’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are behind their Asia-Pacific counterparts in digital adoption, recording the region’s lowest growth rates, according to CPA Australia.
In 2024, only 36% of New Zealand SMBs reported growth, compared to the survey average of 64%.
CPA Australia attributes this digital gap to lower levels of online sales, social media engagement, and the adoption of technologies like business intelligence software and artificial intelligence (AI). The organisation has urged the New Zealand government to expand digital support programs and incentives, proposing a model similar to Singapore’s successful initiatives.
Singapore’s programs include:
- Tech Depot – a centralised platform offering affordable tech solutions
- SME GoCloud – assisting businesses with cloud technology adoption
- Go Digital – providing consultancy and grants for digital transformation
- Advanced Digital Solutions – supporting AI, e-commerce and sustainability solutions.
The report also highlights that while AI adoption is increasing, many SMBs struggle with resource constraints, lack of technical knowledge and limited data. CPA Australia recommends targeted government incentives, such as grants, to help SMBs invest in AI and upskill employees.
The organisation, which represents nearly 175,000 members worldwide, stresses that closing this digital gap is crucial for New Zealand’s economic productivity and growth.
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