Dublin Businesses are increasingly adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve productivity, streamline operations and support business growth, according to Dublin Chamber's latest Business Outlook Survey. The survey of more than 250 businesses across Dublin found that 38% of organisations are already using AI in specific functions, while a further 23% are piloting AI applications and 19% are exploring future adoption.
While adoption continues to grow, businesses also identified barriers that limit further implementation. Time and internal resource constraints were cited by 55% of respondents, followed by funding limitations (50%) and skills gaps (39%), underlining the need for continued support to help businesses accelerate digital transformation.
Aebhric McGibney, Director of Public and International Affairs at Dublin Chamber, said: "Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday business operations. Businesses are embracing these technologies to improve efficiency, strengthen productivity and enhance their competitiveness. However, to fully realise the benefits of AI, stronger supports for AI integration and workforce upskilling are essential. The National Training Fund is an underutilised resource that should be better leveraged to invest in AI skills and ensure Ireland's workforce is a front-runner, not a laggard.”
"The findings are encouraging and demonstrate that businesses recognise the opportunities AI presents. The challenge now is ensuring businesses of every size have the support they need to adopt these technologies and realise their full potential."
The survey found that businesses are primarily using AI to automate processes and improve operational efficiency (61%), undertake data analysis and forecasting (58%) and support marketing and communications activities (47%). AI is also being used to improve customer engagement, support product and service development and inform strategic decision-making.
The findings also reinforce the growing importance businesses place on innovation. More than four-in-five respondents (84%) said innovation is either very important or critically important to their future growth strategy, with the adoption of new technologies, including AI, identified as the strongest driver of innovation.
McGibney added, "AI has the potential to make businesses more productive, more competitive and better equipped to respond to changing market conditions. To fully capture those benefits, continued investment in digital infrastructure, digital skills and innovation will be essential. Policymakers must ensure businesses have the right tools to embrace new technologies and remain competitive. As AI becomes embedded across more workplaces, success will increasingly depend not just on technology adoption, but on developing the skills that enable people to work effectively alongside AI "
Contact Information
Stephen Browne
Head of Public Affairs
Dublin Chamber
085 710 3329
stephen@dublinchamber.ie
About Dublin Chamber: Dublin Chamber is Ireland’s largest chamber of commerce with over 1000 member companies. It is the most representative and broadly-based business group in the Greater Dublin Area, providing representation and networking services. Its policy work focuses on developing the Dublin region’s infrastructure & transport, promoting competitiveness, and improving local governance. Dublin Chamber is also one of the oldest chambers of commerce in the world, tracing its origins back to 1782.