Low AI Adoption in Irish Businesses Revealed by Survey

A recent survey conducted by PwC highlights the slow uptake of artificial intelligence (AI) in Irish businesses, revealing that only 6% have fully adopted this transformative technology. However, the study does show signs of increasing engagement with AI technologies among business leaders.

Current Adoption Rates and Future Expectations

The findings from the GenerativeAI (GenAI) Irish Business Leaders’ survey indicate that while the full adoption of AI remains low, there is a growing interest in its potential. A significant 67% of respondents report being in the testing or partial implementation stages, a notable increase from 47% in June 2024. This suggests a rising curiosity and willingness to experiment with AI within the Irish business community.

Positive Economic Outlook

Despite the current adoption challenges, a sizable majority of Irish business leaders—86%—believe that AI will have a positive impact on the country’s economy within the next five years, signifying optimism about its long-term benefits. Over half of the respondents predict that GenAI will significantly transform their operations during that same period.

Employment and Upskilling Concerns

Regarding employment, three-quarters of business leaders expect that GenAI will either increase job availability or have a neutral impact on employment levels. This optimism stands in contrast to widespread fears that automation might lead to job losses. However, there is a strong consensus (40% of respondents) that operational efficiencies are already being realized through AI initiatives, with a rise from 26% since mid-2024.

That said, only 13% reported improvements in customer experience attributed to AI and GenAI, highlighting room for growth in this area. A majority (74%) remain skeptical about whether GenAI will directly lead to increased revenues, signaling cautious optimism among leaders.

Need for Focused Investment in Skills

The survey’s results underline a critical need for investment in upskilling to unlock the full potential of AI technologies. Business leaders stressed the importance of building trust with both employees and customers as they navigate their AI integration strategies. David Lee, Chief Technology Officer at PwC Ireland, emphasized the necessity of establishing trust-based relationships throughout this transition.

Conducted in late 2024 among nearly 50 high-ranking Irish business leaders, including CEOs and heads of various departments, this survey reveals not only the current state of AI adoption but also the cautious optimism that permeates the outlook of Irish businesses as they consider future opportunities with artificial intelligence.