The main trends in the use of Artificial Intelligence as an element of the small business support system in the Russian Federation in 2024–2025

The author analyzes the main trends in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into the public administration and small and medium enterprise (SME) support systems in the Russian Federation in 2024–2025. The subject of the study is emerging practices, strategic directions and systemic barriers to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into the system of state support for SMEs. Particular attention is paid to the legal and institutional context set by the National Strategy for AI Development, as well as ethical and technological challenges, such as the data problem, digital inequality, etc. The research is based on current legislation, including the National Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence until 2030, as well as data from relevant agencies (the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media of the Russian Federation) and scientific publications. Three key trends are identified: the transition to predictive public administration based on big data analysis; automating routine administrative procedures and creating seamless services; personalizing SME support measures using AI. The author concludes that it is necessary to create a comprehensive data ecosystem, develop digital infrastructure, and implement ethical and legal standards for "responsible AI" for the sustainable development of small businesses. A key finding is that successful implementation of these trends requires overcoming not only technological but also systemic institutional barriers. As a key requirement, the author justifies the need to implement a «reasonable (self-)restraint» paradigm and ethical and legal standards for «responsible AI» to prevent risks and maintain human control over critical business decisions.