67% of participants in PwC's GenerativeAI (GenAI) Irish Business Leaders study acknowledged that they are either in the testing or partial implementation phases of using AI, which is an increase from 47% in June 2024.

Compared to previous research periods, 86% of Irish business leaders now feel that AI will have a favourable overall influence on Ireland's economy in five years.

In the next five years, more than half of those surveyed believe that GenAI will significantly or completely change their company.

Up from 55% in June 2024, three-quarters of business leaders stated they anticipate either no net impact on jobs in Ireland or an increase as a result of GenAI.

Business executives did point out, though, that in order to truly benefit from GenAI, upskilling is necessary. Up from 26% in June 2024, 40% of respondents said that AI and GenAI activities had improved operational efficiencies, while 30% said that productivity had increased.

Just 13% of respondents claimed that AI and GenAI had improved the customer experience, and 74% of respondents questioned if GenAI would result in higher revenue.

"As evidenced by the marked increase in the reported levels of AI related innovation, the survey highlights that Irish businesses continue to be very engaged in looking to understand the opportunities presented to their business through the adoption of AI," said David Lee, chief technology officer at PwC Ireland.

"However, the survey results show that business leaders are approaching this in a considered manner," said Mr. Lee.

"Businesses have worked hard to establish relationships of trust with their staff and customers and they want to ensure that these are sustained on their AI journey."

Nearly 50 C-suite Irish corporate executives, including CEOs, heads of finance, heads of technology, and heads of risk, participated in the poll, which was carried out in late 2024.