France Num: AI and electronic invoicing are becoming widespread in very small and small businesses

France Num has published its annual barometer on the digital transformation of very small businesses (TPEs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By 2026, the use of digital technology is expected to become widespread in these businesses with the adoption of artificial intelligence and the shift to electronic invoicing. Cybersecurity is emerging as a major challenge.

What you need to know

Published on September 28, 2026, the annual France Num barometer confirms the growth of digital usage in very small businesses and SMEs. According to the survey, conducted among 9,000 companies, 40% now use at least one artificial intelligence solution, 14 points higher than a year earlier.

The barometer also highlights a significant challenge for these companies: cybersecurity. However, it does not indicate any product recalls or new steps for consumers to take.

What the barometer reveals

The uses of artificial intelligence are varied: 34% of the companies surveyed use it to generate text, voice or images, 24% for chatbots, assistants or information retrieval, 13% to analyze or classify tasks and 11% to automate tasks.

The reform of electronic invoicing is among the digital projects being rolled out between 2026 and 2027, cited by 39% of businesses. The barometer presents this figure as a declared priority for businesses, and not as a directive intended for individuals.

Why cybersecurity is a major issue

According to the survey, 53% of executives fear losing their data or having it hacked. Furthermore, 39% of companies report having experienced a cybersecurity incident in the past year.

The companies surveyed cited the use of antivirus software (80%), external data backup (67%) and multi-factor authentication (39%) among the protection meas implemented.

What consumers should remember

These results describe the practices and concerns of very small and small businesses. They do not, on their own, allow us to conclude that there has been a concrete change in the services offered to consumers. Nor does the barometer make any specific recommendations to them.

Key takeaways

By 2026, artificial intelligence is making progress in very small businesses and SMEs, while electronic invoicing is among their digital projects. The barometer also highlights their vulnerability to cyber incidents. This is a snapshot of the current situation for businesses, not a new obligation for individuals.

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