80% of businesses accelerated their digital transformation plans as a direct result of the pandemic, according to new research by technology company Expleo.
The survey of 110 business and IT leaders in Ireland found that 88% believe their company boards are now more likely to approve new digital strategies.
Compared to all other countries surveyed, Irish organisations are the least likely to face problems implementing a 'digital first' culture across their business.
51% of those surveyed in Ireland said they will seek to improve customer experience through digital transformation.
Meanwhile, 48% said it will help them to innovate and bring new offerings to market, while 45% will seek to transform their business model and ways of working.
In terms of financing this digital shift, 66% of respondents expect to increase tech budgets by at least 10% in the next five years, with 36% planning an increase of over 30%.
"Organisations have learned that digital was not only critical to survival during the pandemic, but in the aftermath, too," said Phil Codd, Managing Director, Expleo Ireland.
"The world has embraced a transformed reality and businesses need to be ready to adapt quickly to changes in market conditions and consumer behaviours to succeed," he added.
Mr Codd said the research suggests that success in transformation is reliant on the boldness of vision across all levels of an organisation.
"Only then can businesses equip themselves with the necessary resources to affect better outcomes and a brighter future," he said.
