Ireland Lagging in AI Adoption

 

Despite artificial intelligence becoming one of the most transformative technologies of the decade, many Irish businesses remain hesitant to adopt it — a delay that industry leaders say carries significant competitive risk.

 

According to recent European SME studies, over 60% of Irish small and medium-sized enterprises report uncertainty or concern about integrating AI into their operations. At the same time, global adoption is accelerating; PwC estimates that AI will contribute up to €15.7 trillion to the world economy by 2030, with early‑adopting companies seeing measurable boosts in efficiency, customer engagement, and profitability.

 

In Ireland, sectors such as manufacturing, professional services, retail, and healthcare stand to benefit the most — yet many organisations still report a lack of skills, limited internal resources, or misconceptions around cost and security.

 

“AI won’t replace Irish businesses,” the report notes, “but businesses using AI will increasingly outperform those that don’t.”

 

 

What Happens to Companies That Fail to Adapt?

 

Industry analysis indicates three emerging risks for Irish organisations that delay AI adoption:

 

1. Reduced Competitiveness

 

Companies that integrate AI-driven automation, cybersecurity, customer service, or analytics are already operating faster and more efficiently than their peers.

 

2. Higher Security Exposure

 

With cyber threats increasing in volume and sophistication, AI-enabled security platforms are becoming essential. Manual monitoring simply can’t keep pace.

 

3. Talent Attraction Challenges

 

Younger workforces expect modern, digitally enabled workplaces. Businesses that fail to modernise risk losing talent to AI-enabled competitors.

 

 

Unitec IT Solutions Calls for Greater Support and Adoption

 

Unitec IT Solutions — a leading Irish managed IT and cybersecurity provider — has seen growing concern from organisations unsure of how to begin their AI journey.

 

Ian Power, Managing Director of Unitec IT Solutions, commented:

 

“AI is no longer a future technology — it’s a present‑day business tool. What we’re seeing across Ireland is that the organisations embracing AI aren’t just improving productivity; they’re gaining a strategic edge. The businesses that hesitate risk falling behind their competitors, their customers’ expectations, and the pace of digital change.”
“Our message to Irish companies is simple: you don’t need to start big, but you do need to start. With the right guidance, AI becomes a safe, practical, and cost‑effective asset — not a risk.”

 

 

A Call to Action for Irish SMEs

 

Unitec is urging businesses to take three immediate steps to prepare for safe, structured AI adoption:

 

  • Educate internal teams on AI’s practical uses and limitations.
  • Pilot small-scale AI projects in areas like customer service, reporting, or cybersecurity.
  • Adopt a responsible AI policy, ensuring data security, compliance, and ethical usage.

 

Unitec IT Solutions continues to support Irish organisations through advisory workshops, cybersecurity solutions, and modern workplace transformation services.