Many businesses are not investing enough in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption according to a new report from Digital Business Ireland (DBI).
A survey of 140 Irish-based companies shows that 65% of respondents indicated that they plan to invest in AI in 2026, of which 60% expect to invest €10,000 or less.
The DBI report warns that this level of investment will support only limited AI adoption, likely focused on licensing generative AI models.
The survey also found that 68% of businesses identified a lack of skills and training as the single biggest constraint to AI adoption.
"The biggest risk to Irish jobs from AI would be Ireland's failure to adapt, to adopt, and to keep up," the report found.
"Another risk would that business, particularly SMEs, get left behind," it added.
The report sets out a range of recommendations to support businesses with AI adoption as well as calling on the Government to establish a cross-departmental initiative that identifies emerging roles in the AI economy.
"The greatest risk facing Ireland is not AI itself, but the possibility of falling behind in its adoption," said Victor Timon, Chair of Digital Business Ireland.
"While it is encouraging to see businesses engaging with AI, the findings of this report show that more ambitious investment and stronger support structures are needed to fully realise its benefits," Mr Timon said.
