By Harjot DhattRadius Global The latest advancements in generative artificial intelligence (GAI)—a technology that can create content (e.g., text, image, video, code) based on patterns from large training datasets (Jebara, 2004)—have attracted significant attention among practitioners and researchers alike. GAI gained popularity following the release of the conversational chatbot ChatGPT in November 2022. Today, individuals across various hierarchical levels and functional areas within most organizations have the opportunity to utilize and explore the capabilities of GAI, regardless of their technical expertise or background. The global generative AI in chatbots market is expected to be worth around USD 1,714.3 million by 2033, up from USD 151.0 million in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 27.5% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.Generative AI in chatbots represents a transformative advancement in the field of artificial intelligence, significantly enhancing the capabilities of chatbots across various industries. This technology enables chatbots to generate human-like responses by leveraging deep natural language processing capabilities, thereby improving interaction quality and customer experience. Generative AI is revolutionizing the landscape for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) by offering cutting-edge tools that were once exclusive to large corporations, effectively democratizing scalability and fostering innovation. With their inherent adaptability, SMBs can rapidly integrate generative AI to bridge knowledge and technology gaps, leveling the playing field with bigger competitors. Representing about 90% of all businesses and accounting for over half of global employment, SMBs are essential drivers of economic growth across various sectors—particularly in emerging economies.Gen AI in SMBsThe generative AI market for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the need to automate tasks, enhance customer experiences, and personalize content. According to Growth Market Reports, the global market for AI in SMBs reached USD 8.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 86.5 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 28.6%.In 2024, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reported that 40% of small businesses in the United States were already leveraging AI tools. By 2025, the landscape has evolved significantly:Global Adoption Surge: 77% of small businesses worldwide have integrated AI into at least one function, demonstrating broad-based adoption.U.S. Market Growth: Approximately 38% of SMBs in the U.S. are actively utilizing AI across areas such as recruitment, customer support, and marketing automation.Automation Powerhouse: A 2025 report by Intuit and ICIC reveals that 89% of small businesses are using AI to automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency.India’s Leadership: India leads in SMB AI adoption, with 59% of businesses already implementing AI-driven solutions.Customer Service Transformation: Among SMBs using AI for customer service, 95% report improved response quality, and over 92% note faster turnaround times.Chatbot Integration: By the end of 2025, 80% of small businesses plan to integrate AI chatbots into their customer support strategies.SMBs across industries are turning to chatbot solutions to enhance customer support, streamline sales processes, and improve overall user experiences. Generative AI-powered chatbots provide distinct advantages, including 24/7 availability, scalability, and the ability to handle multiple conversations simultaneously.Generative AI Chatbots in North American SMBsThe integration of generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) chatbots into small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in North America is rapidly transforming operational landscapes. North America currently leads the market, holding a 41% share and contributing USD 3.4 billion in revenue in 2024—driven by technological advancements, high digital adoption, and a robust startup ecosystem. The region has long been at the forefront of AI research and development, fostering fertile ground for Gen-AI innovations. Major tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI have heavily invested in Gen-AI platforms, virtual assistants, and natural language processing (NLP) tools. These technologies are now being applied across business functions including marketing, customer service, content creation, and software development (Wang et al., 2024).Market Growth and TrendsGenerative AI in Chatbots: The global Gen-AI chatbot market is projected to reach USD 1,714.3 million by 2033, up from USD 151.0 million in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 27.5%.Conversational AI Market: Expected to grow from USD 10.1 billion in 2023 to USD 79.4 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 22.9%, driven by AI-powered chat solutions for customer engagement and operational optimization.Holiday Surge in Adoption: AI-based chatbot usage saw a 42% increase during the 2024 holiday season compared to the previous year, as businesses shifted toward instant messaging platforms.Use Cases Expanding: North American businesses across healthcare, finance, retail, and customer service are leveraging Gen-AI chatbots to automate tasks, improve experiences, and gain data-driven insights. SMBs are particularly keen on AI to optimize operations, reduce costs, and stay competitive.Detailed Market AnalysisIn 2022, cloud-based deployment held over a 60% market share due to scalability and ease of integration.Customer service applications led with a 29% share, driven by automation and faster response times.Retail and e-commerce dominated the market, thanks to digitalization and demand for personalized experiences.North America held a 38% share in the Gen-AI chatbot market.Over 60% of companies are using Gen-AI tools, reducing workload by 60–70%.eCommerce chatbot performance:85% open rate40% click-through rate (CTR)Compared to email: 23% open rate, 3% CTR73% of customers prefer chatbot self-service, saving over 10 minutes per interaction.Recent Developments in Gen-AI (2025)In May 2025, LinkedIn launched a generative AI tool that lets users uncover tailored job listings just by describing their ideal role in their own words. The technological initiative in applications is allowing individuals to explore and develop their expertise. In May 2025, IBM Think 2025 highlighted Watson X.data’s role in generative AI. The data platform will address roadblocks in scaling generative and agent-based AI, contributing to the growth of the generative AI market. In May 2025, Kama.ai launched trustworthy AI hybrid agents. The merging of deterministic and generative AI delivers trusted, brand-safe virtual agents. It is guided by human values, with a new enterprise retrieval augmented generation (RAG) process. In February 2025, Google Cloud and Accenture launched the Generative AI Center of Excellence in Saudi Arabia, providing businesses with industry expertise, technical knowledge, and product resources to build and scale applications using Google Cloud’s generative AI portfolio and accelerate time-to-value. In April 2025, the Cannes Film Market launched Village Innovation, a new venue dedicated to technology and innovation (including Gen AI) in the film industry. The venue will bring together the bulk of activities from Cannes Next, the market’s flagship program dedicated to innovation in the film industry, as well as activities stemming from the all-new ImmersiveMarket, which revolves around XR and immersive professionals. In May 2025, TalentSprint, a global leader in DeepTech education, announced an executive-friendly, four-month Generative AI Foundations and Applications program. Created for both emerging and current working professionals, the program provides cutting-edge AI skills and hands-on experience in the rapidly evolving world of Generative AI.   SXiQ, an Australia-based digital transformation services company with expertise in cloud applications, platforms, and cybersecurity, was acquired by IBM in November 2021.  ALTAIR ENGINEERING INC announced the release of Thea Render V3.0 in March 2021. The Thea Render is a 3D renderer that uses state-of-the-art and unbiased graphic refining unit engines. Altair announced in February 2021 that it had adopted GE Aviation's Flow Simulator.  In May 2020, Archistar, an Australian property intelligence platform that combines architectural design with artificial intelligence to inform property decision-making, closed a USD 6 million Series A funding round led by AirTree to accelerate international growth and expand its product and engineering team. Historical Notes:IBM acquired SXiQ (2021)Altair released Thea Render V3.0 and adopted GE Aviation’s Flow Simulator (2021)Archistar raised USD 6 million for global expansion (2020)Benefits for SMBs24/7 Customer Support: Automates up to 70% of inquiries (Quidget), reducing wait times and improving efficiency.Cost Reduction: Cuts expenses on staffing for support and lead gen.Enhanced Personalization: AI tailors responses based on data, boosting loyalty (e.g., a floral company’s personalized quiz chatbot increased engagement and prize claims).Competitive Advantage: Enterprise-level tools now affordable for SMBs.Internal Efficiency: Automates HR and IT inquiries, freeing up staff for strategic work.Leading chatbot providers for SMBs in North America Several chatbot providers cater specifically to SMBs in North America, offering a range of features and pricing options. Some examples include: Quidget: Known for its affordable pricing (starting at $16/month) and user-friendly, no-code setup. ProProfs Chat: Offers a free plan for single users and paid options starting at $19.99 per operator/month, combining live chat with AI chatbot features. Tidio: Combines live chat and AI chatbot features, designed for small businesses and startups. Botsify: Provides omnichannel support with AI-powered chatbots for various platforms. ManyChat: Focuses on marketing automation and social media messaging. ChatGPT: Popular for content ideation and available with free and paid versions (starting at $20/month for plus). Microsoft Copilot: Best for Microsoft Office users, available with paid plans starting at $30 per user/month and a free version. Google Gemini: Best for Google Workspace users, with the Google AI Pro plan starting at $19.99 per month.   Challenges and Considerations for SMBsData Privacy and Security: SMBs need to address concerns regarding data privacy and security when implementing AI chatbots, especially when dealing with sensitive customer information. Integration with Existing Systems: Integrating chatbots with legacy systems can pose technical challenges for SMBs. Developing AI Expertise: A lack of in-house AI expertise can hinder the effective customization and optimization of chatbot solutions. Ethical Considerations: Ensuring that chatbots avoid biased or inappropriate content requires careful consideration and the implementation of robust filtering mechanisms. Maintaining a Human Touch: While AI chatbots offer numerous advantages, it's important for SMBs to maintain a balance between automation and human interaction, especially for complex or sensitive customer inquiries.  Future outlook The market for Gen-AI chatbots in North America is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with increasing sophistication and broader applications across various industries, according to a LinkedIn analysis. The emergence of industry-specific chatbots and the continued development of natural language understanding and voice recognition capabilities will further drive adoption and create new opportunities for SMBs. The shift towards low-code/no-code platforms will also empower more businesses to leverage Gen-AI chatbots to enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and drive growth.  

In the evolving landscape of higher education, traditional college campuses face a crossroads as digital technologies reshape how students engage with their studies. While physical campuses have long served as hubs of academic and social life, the rise of technology calls for a reimagining of these spaces to better meet the needs of today’s "digital learners.” In the tapestry of contemporary education, physical spaces and digital tools complement and enhance each other. Physical campuses, with their traditional architecture, provide stability and foster a sense of community and belonging. These spaces play a pivotal role in shaping student’s identity, offering experiential learning through laboratory experiments, face-to-face interactions, workshops, and other tangible activities (Mehmood et al., 2020). They provide venues for spontaneous intellectual debates, serendipitous encounters, and the establishment of lifelong relationships, thereby feeding the human need for social connection and shared experiences (Bennett et al., 2020). Yet, while the physical environment sets the stage, the digital tools often direct the play. Digital platforms extend the reach of physical spaces, enabling classroom discussions to continue beyond the classroom, fostering global collaboration, and providing resources that may not be physically available. For example, digital archives expand a university library’s collection, and digital platforms host webinars that connect experts globally. This interplay ensures learners benefit from both immersive, hands-on experiences and a broad, interconnected digital world. Recognizing this convergence of physical and digital realms, educational institutions must now embark on a strategic reimagining of college campuses to harness the full potential of the digital age (Asino et al., 2020) (-, 2023).   One of the primary considerations in this reimagining of the college campus is the need to ensure equitable access to digital resources for all students, particularly commuter and nontraditional undergraduates who may face additional barriers in terms of internet connectivity and device accessibility. (Smale & Regalado, 2016) These students often have complex schedules and greater demands on their time, making it critical that campuses provide reliable WiFi, ample computer labs, convenient charging stations, and robust technical support to empower their academic success. (Smale & Regalado, 2016)  Beyond infrastructure, campuses must focus on digital literacy and pedagogy, empowering faculty to integrate technology into their teaching. This requires understanding how digital natives interact with technology and how educators can use these insights to create more engaging and effective learning experiences. College spaces for the digital age should be flexible, accessible, and interactive to support the needs of students and teachers: [1, 2, 3]  Flexible and Adaptable Spaces  College campuses must incorporate flexible and adaptable spaces that can be easily reconfigured to suit a wide range of needs and accommodate changing patterns of use by students, faculty, and staff. These spaces should be designed with modular furniture, movable walls or partitions, and multipurpose layouts that allow for seamless transitions between different activities and modes of learning. This flexibility enables the spaces to support a variety of pedagogical approaches, from traditional lectures to collaborative group work, hands-on experiential learning, and technology-enhanced instruction. By embracing this adaptability, college campuses can create dynamic environments that respond to the evolving needs of the digital age and provide students with rich, engaging, and customizable learning experiences.   Online learning  Online learning platforms and Massive Open Online Courses have dramatically expanded access to high-quality educational resources and courses for students worldwide. These digital learning tools offer a wealth of content, from university-level lectures and interactive modules to specialized training programs, all of which can be accessed remotely and often at no or low cost. By leveraging the power of the internet and modern educational technologies, online learning platforms and MOOCs have transformed the educational landscape, providing learners with unprecedented flexibility and choice in pursuing their academic and professional goals.   Reliable wireless internet  Ensuring a reliable, fast, and easily accessible wireless internet network is essential for college campuses in the digital age. Students and faculty require robust and seamless connectivity to access online resources, collaborate remotely, and engage with digital learning tools effectively. A high-quality wireless network is a critical component of the modern campus infrastructure, empowering students to learn, explore, and communicate in an increasingly technology-driven educational landscape.   Access to information  Students should have the ability to access course information, library resources, and other educational materials from their mobile devices and while off-campus. This expanded access to digital resources empowers students to continue their learning and research even when they are not physically present on the college campus, providing them with greater flexibility and autonomy in their educational journey.  Technology training  Students and staff should be offered ongoing opportunities to familiarize themselves with new and emerging technologies. This could include access to technology training workshops, self-paced online tutorials, and hands-on learning experiences that help them develop the digital skills and competencies needed to thrive in the modern, technology-driven educational landscape. By providing these resources, colleges and universities can empower their campus community to fully leverage the benefits of digital tools and platforms, enhancing teaching, learning, and collaboration across the institution.  The physical campus environment itself must evolve to complement the digital landscape, striking a balance between the benefits of online learning and the unique advantages of in-person, social-learning experiences. The campus of the future must be designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, nurture intellectual discourse, and provide students with opportunities to connect with diverse communities of scholars and practitioners.   By rethinking the college campus for the digital age, educational institutions can create dynamic, technology-rich environments that empower students to reach new heights in their academic and personal growth. (Asino et al., 2020)  Reference:  M. S. S. (2023). The Evolution of Education: Navigating 21st-Century Challenges. In International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research (Vol. 5, Issue 5). https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2023.v05i05.6314  Asino, T. I., Bayeck, R. Y., Brown, W., Francis, R., Kolski, T., Essmiller, K., Green, C. P., Lewis, S., McCabe, C., Shikongo, J., & Wise, T. (2020). Learning in the Digital Age. In Oklahoma State University Libraries eBooks. Ohio State University Libraries. https://doi.org/10.22488/okstate.20.000003  Smale, M. A., & Regalado, M. (2016). Recommendations for Technology in Higher Education. In Springer eBooks (p. 73). Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48908-7_5  

Let's be honest, applying to college can feel like navigating a maze. For students, it's a stressful time filled with deadlines, mountains of paperwork, and the constant worry of whether their application is even being looked at. For universities, it's a logistical nightmare. Imagine stacks of paper applications towering over desks, overworked staff frantically trying to keep up, and students left in the dark wondering if their dreams of higher education are slipping away. This outdated system simply doesn't cut it anymore. Admissions automation Think of it as a digital superpower for colleges. Instead of drowning in paperwork, admissions teams can now use technology to streamline the entire process. Here's how it works: Say goodbye to paperwork: Applications are submitted electronically, making them easier to track and analyze. Super-fast checks: Computers can quickly verify grades, test scores, and other important documents, saving valuable time. Data-driven decisions: Colleges can use powerful data to understand who's applying and make smarter choices about who to admit. What's in it for students? Less stress: No more worrying about lost applications or missed deadlines. Clear communication: Students know exactly where they stand in the process. A smoother experience: The entire application process becomes much easier to navigate. What's in it for colleges? Faster decisions: Students get their answers quicker, which means colleges can fill their classes faster. Happier staff: Admissions teams can focus on what they do best – connecting with students – instead of getting overwhelmed with paperwork. More efficient use of resources: Automation saves time and money, allowing colleges to invest in other areas that benefit students. The future of college admissions is digital Solutions like RadiusX can help colleges make this transition seamless. By leveraging advanced technology and a user-friendly interface, RadiusX empowers institutions to streamline their admissions processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall application experience. So, let's ditch the paper piles and embrace the future of admissions. It's time to make the college application process smoother, faster, and less stressful for everyone involved. 

By Harjot DhattRadius Global As student demographics evolve, institutions must understand the diverse populations of learners. Research highlights increasing diversity in age, socioeconomic status, and geography, as well as the rise of adult and non-traditional students, which necessitates tailored recruitment strategies. Each demographic segment and individual student has unique needs that institutions must address to effectively attract and retain them. The digital revolution has also transformed how students engage with institutions throughout the recruitment journey. Due to advances in technology, shifting demographics, changing student expectations, and evolving workforce needs, institutions must adapt their recruitment strategies to stay competitive and attract the next generation of learners. A survey by Deloitte highlights the growing importance of digital strategies for higher ed marketing, including increased use of social proof, influencer marketing, and direct-to-consumer approaches. According to Hannon Hill's blog, key web trends for universities include personalization, voice search, video content, and leveraging faculty as micro-influencers. These tools and techniques are crucial considerations for institutions looking to revamp their recruitment efforts. Institutions must embrace digital tools, technologies, and strategies to create seamless, engaging experiences that resonate with tech-savvy students. Optimizing for mobile and personalizing content are crucial for reaching and connecting with prospective learners. Innovative approaches like virtual campus tours, social media campaigns, and livestreamed events can enhance the student experience and drive enrollment (Xiong et al., 2018). Enhanced Personalization and Engagement Learners increasingly want personalization, flexibility, and choices when it comes to education. Prioritizing their success and satisfaction by providing tailored support services, academic advising, and campus resources fosters a sense of belonging and connection among students, enhancing their overall experience. This goes beyond the recruitment process and includes their day-to-day experience with institutional programs and services. Rather than prescribing what students should do, institutions must provide an environment that allows them to reach their goals and objectives in the ways that best suit them. As demographics continue to shift, universities will need to adapt messaging and communication channels to effectively reach diverse student populations. This may involve inclusive language, culturally relevant content, and a variety of communication platforms (e.g., social media, email, and instant messaging apps) to engage with prospective students. Efficient Application Processing Gone are the days of paper-based applications and manual data entry. AI technology now streamlines the application process by automating data extraction from various sources, such as online forms and transcripts. This automation not only speeds up the application review process but also reduces the potential for human error. AI-powered systems can verify application documents, flag discrepancies, and ensure compliance with institutional policies, making the process more efficient and accurate. Content and Digital Marketing Content marketing is a powerful technique for engaging prospective students. Crafting compelling narratives through blog posts, videos, and infographics can showcase a university's distinctive offerings, faculty expertise, and campus culture, whether interactions are in-person or digital. By providing valuable insights and resources on the platforms where students are most active, institutions can position themselves as thought leaders and attract their target student populations. The proliferation of digital channels necessitates that universities invest in marketing strategies leveraging these mediums to effectively reach their audience. This may involve targeted campaigns on Google Ads, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, as well as optimizing search engine visibility. Emphasizing digital channels can enhance brand awareness, drive website traffic, generate leads, and improve recruitment outcomes. However, the success of these strategies hinges on involving the right personnel. Internal advocates, faculty, staff, and especially CMOs responsible for setting and leading the university's digital marketing priorities play a critical role in this process. The Right Technology for Analytics and Insights Universities are increasingly using emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics to gain insights into student preferences and behaviors, enabling data-driven recruitment strategies and decision-making. Data analysis provides valuable insights into students' motivations, interests, and likelihood of enrollment. Collecting and analyzing data from various sources allows institutions to identify opportunities, track campaign effectiveness, and optimize recruitment efforts in real-time. These tech-driven analytics empower institutions to better understand their target audience and enhance enrollment outcomes. Changing demographics and digital advancements will continue to reshape the landscape of student recruitment in higher education. Institutions that embrace these changes, investing in digital technologies and strategies, will be best positioned to attract and retain the next generation of learners. It’s essential for higher education institutions to remain agile and innovative in their marketing strategies, leveraging emerging technologies and embracing diversity and inclusion to effectively engage prospective students. By staying ahead of the curve and adapting to evolving trends, institutions can ensure continued success in recruiting and retaining students. References: Xiong, L., Alsadoon, A., Maag, A., Prasad, P., Lau, S H., & Elchouemi, A. (2018, August 1). Rise of Social Media Marketing: A Perspective on Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1109/iccse.2018.8468683 Deloitte (2023) Reshaping the student experience – The role of technology in enabling student-centricity, https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/ca/Documents/public-sector/ca-2023-reshaping-the-student-experience-aoda-en.pdf 

We are excited to announce the launch of Radius X, an admission automation and data analytics platform built for higher education providers. Radius X is a cloud-based tool (SaaS) that automates and streamlines the admission process end-to-end with real-time admission analytics. Our goal is simple: to act as a productivity tool for your admissions team to offer a faster, efficient and more consistent experience for your student applicants. Why Choose Radius X? Admissions is becoming increasingly competitive with rising application numbers, higher expectations from students for a digitally led enrollment experience. For many admissions teams, this leads to hours of manual paperwork, document review and data entry. Radius X replaces your admission teams’ paper-based processes with an automated digital workflow to help improve productivity.  Key benefits of Radius X: Say goodbye to manual processes. By automating data collection, document handling, and candidate assessments, your team can manage a greater volume of applications and focus on engaging your students in a more personalized way. Radius X offers a user-friendly online platform where students can easily track their application status and submit required documents.  Gain valuable insights into student applications, trends, and demographics with Radius X. This data helps you to refine your recruitment strategies and target the right candidates, ensuring that your efforts yield the best results. With Radius X, each applicant is evaluated based on transparent criteria, promoting fairness and equity throughout the admissions process. By automating repetitive tasks, Radius X not only saves your institution valuable time (70% productivity increase in beta tests) but also reduces operational costs allowing you to allocate budget to other resources. Enhancing the student experience is a top priority. That is why we have integrated a GenAI chatbot designed specifically for student support. This cutting-edge tool acts as a virtual advisor, available 24/7, to guide students through their application journey and answer questions in real-time. By offering quick and relevant information about your admission process and campus policies, it not only improves the student experience but also reduces the workload on your admissions team. With Radius X, your institution can be an early adopter in the fast-changing admissions landscape. From improving the student experience to boosting efficiency within your team, Radius X is designed to empower your Admission team to exceed expectations of student applicants with a digital-first experience. Ready to transform admissions and expand access to your prospective students? Take the next step by booking a demo and a free trial here: https://radiusx.io/