Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurial Marketing Innovation as Drivers of National Economic Development: Evidence from Food and Beverage SMES in Port Harcourt

Abstract

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has fundamentally changed marketing approaches, transforming how organizations connect with consumers, assess markets, and foster new ideas. This research investigates the impact of AI and entrepreneurial marketing creativity as catalysts for national economic development, specifically focusing on food and drink small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on the resource based view theory which posits that firm specific resources such as AI capabilities and marketing knowledge create sustainable competitive advantage that translates into economic growth. A descriptive survey approach was employed, targeting a selection of food and drink SMEs operating within the Port Harcourt metropolitan area. The population comprised 120 registered food and beverage SMEs operating in Port Harcourt as obtained from the Rivers State ministry of commerce and industry database. Since the population was relatively small and accessible, a census approach was employed meaning that all 120 firms were included in the study. Structured questionnaires were distributed to one key managerial or marketing personnel across the firms, and 110 valid responses were successfully retrieved and analyzed, representing a response rate of 91%. The information was processed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using Pearson product moment correlation and results indicated that AI-powered marketing activities such as automated customer interaction, forecasting analytics, and customized promotion significantly improve entrepreneurial marketing success among SMEs. The research concludes that Artificial Intelligence acts as a vital facilitator of entrepreneurial marketing creativity and national economic development, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria, where SMEs are the core of industrial expansion. It advises that government organizations, industry oversight bodies, and financial providers support the development of digital skills, offer AI-related funding opportunities, and encourage technological alliances to boost SME competitiveness and national development.