Expleo has announced research findings which show that 43% of business leaders in Ireland feel under pressure to identify a business case for integrating generative AI into their organisation’s operations. This pressure to implement AI solutions could explain why 29% of business decision-makers said that their business is already using AI but does not understand the full implications of the technology.

Expleo’s report, ‘Integrating AI: Navigating the next wave of business transformation’, comprises insights from 100 key decision-makers at large- and mid-sized businesses in Ireland and a further 703 from France, Germany and the UK, to provide a strategic overview of AI attitudes. These continental comparisons produced a number of noteworthy discrepancies. While nearly two in five (39%) IT leaders in Ireland are concerned that increased government regulations on AI may stifle innovation within their industry, this rises to 50% for their European counterparts.

Companies in Ireland are also more positive regarding the business risks associated with AI. Nearly one in five (19%) reported that they see no adoption risk for their organisation, compared to just 9% on average. Overall, Ireland’s business leaders are in strong agreement (93%) that the benefits of AI implementation outweigh the potential risks associated with cybercrime.

In fact, many believe it will help to ward off cybercriminals. Expleo’s research found that the vast majority (94%) of business leaders in Ireland believe that AI will enhance cybersecurity. Meanwhile, 87% said that they have put specific measures in place to ensure their organisation is prepared to handle AI-related cyberthreats.

The survey also examined how businesses which have already invested in AI are evaluating their ROI in the technology. The top two metrics were found to be profitability through reduced costs and additional revenue generated (97%), and improved operational efficiency such as better time to market, planning, and better supply chain management (94%).

Phil Codd, Managing Director of Expleo Ireland, said: “Artificial intelligence represents a new frontier for organisations globally and it’s encouraging to know business leaders in Ireland recognise the enormous opportunity that it represents, with the benefits far outweighing the risks in their minds.

We see a tremendous drive to implement AI solutions. Businesses need to consider their approach to AI to ensure they invest time and budgets in areas that give them the return on investment. If AI isn’t giving you significant cost and time benefits or value to your customers, then you should re-evaluate and adjust”.

The full report from Expleo, ‘Integrating AI: navigating the next wave of business transformation’ is available to download here.

See more stories here.