It is interesting to read about AI adoption and impact in industries across Ireland, check out the recent report from PWC (Jan 2025). While 98% of respondents use AI in some manner, 62% has seen only a small or reasonable impact in their org (not very encouraging). This high adoption rate demonstrates the widespread integration of these technologies across various sizes and types of organisations in Ireland.
Despite is enthusiasm, Ireland are still early in AI adoption and staff need upskilling. 73% of business leaders believe that employees will need to develop new skills to benefit from AI. Irish businesses are steadily advancing in their AI implementation, with nearly all organizations now engaging in some form of AI adoption. However, widespread deployment remains limited, as only a small fraction have scaled AI across their operations. The majority of organizations are still in experimental stages, though progress is evident.The number of businesses deploying AI in specific areas has grown in recent months. Even more significantly, companies testing AI solutions have substantially increased. This trend spans various industry sectors and company sizes, marking a significant shift in AI adoption.The transformation is particularly striking when compared to the recent past. Where previously a large percentage of businesses had no AI plans, now almost all are exploring or implementing artificial intelligence technologies. This indicates a rapid and widespread recognition of AI's potential to transform business processes and create competitive advantages.
Irish companies are beginning to see tangible benefits from their AI initiatives, despite being in the early stages of adoption. The primary advantages reported are improvements in operational efficiency and notable increases in productivity.Looking ahead, Irish business leaders are optimistic about the potential of Generative AI (GenAI). A significant majority anticipate substantial productivity gains, with many expecting improvements in product and service quality within a year. A considerable portion also foresees a boost in profitability due to GenAI implementation.However, these leaders recognize that harnessing the full potential of GenAI requires more than just technological investment. There's a strong consensus that workforce upskilling is crucial. Most business leaders acknowledge that employees will need to acquire new skills to effectively leverage AI technologies.This perspective underscores a key insight: while AI, particularly GenAI, holds immense promise for organizational transformation, realizing its full potential hinges on investing in human capital alongside technological advancements. The successful integration of AI into business operations will likely depend on a balanced approach that combines cutting-edge technology with enhanced human capabilities.
The successful deployment of AI solutions necessitates strong governance frameworks to oversee their use and management. While there has been a notable increase in the number of organizations implementing AI governance recently, the majority still lack such structures. This gap is particularly concerning given that almost all surveyed organizations plan to use Generative AI in the near future.Effective governance is essential for mitigating various risks associated with AI, including cybersecurity threats, spread of misinformation, legal issues, reputational damage, and potential bias. Interestingly, the survey indicates a slight decrease in the perception of these risks among respondents. This trend suggests that as organizations implement proper governance measures, they become more confident in their ability to manage AI-related risks.The disparity between the widespread plans for AI adoption and the lack of governance structures highlights a critical area for improvement. As AI technologies, especially Generative AI, become more prevalent in business operations, the need for robust governance frameworks becomes increasingly urgent. Organizations that proactively address this gap are likely to be better positioned to harness the benefits of AI while effectively managing associated risks.
Irish business leaders overwhelmingly support the EU AI Act, with an impressive majority backing the comprehensive AI regulatory framework. The level of support remains remarkably consistent, with approximately 86% of leaders endorsing the legislation. This strong consensus reflects a broad understanding of the need for responsible AI governance. A small minority of 4% oppose the Act, while 10% remain uncertain or lack familiarity with its specific requirements. As the legislation becomes more established and its implementation details become clearer, experts anticipate that the number of uncertain respondents will likely decrease. The widespread support suggests that Irish businesses recognize the importance of a structured approach to AI development and deployment. The EU AI Act's risk-based framework and focus on protecting fundamental rights while promoting innovation appear to resonate with the business community, indicating a mature and forward-thinking perspective on technological regulation.
Generative AI is proving its worth in Irish organizations, particularly in enhancing operational efficiency, boosting productivity, and improving employee performance. We're only scratching the surface of this rapidly evolving technology's potential to deliver significant value across various business sectors.
The advent of new AI capabilities necessitates a shift in work approaches. Implementing Generative AI is more about organizational change than merely installing new software. To fully leverage these technologies, companies must invest in upskilling their workforce, ensuring employees can effectively utilize and benefit from AI tools.
With the EU AI Act now in place, establishing robust AI governance is not just best practice—it's a legal requirement. Organizations need to implement responsible, ethical, and secure AI usage frameworks. This approach not only ensures compliance but also enables businesses to fully realize and accurately measure the benefits of their AI investments.
Read more from PwC https://www.pwc.ie/genaisurvey?