Artificial intelligence is going to transform business, not just in Ireland, but across the world

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform the Irish economy. Recognising its potential, an overwhelming majority of the respondents we contacted while conducting PwC's 2019 analysis of AI in business believe it is vital that Ireland puts itself at the forefront of the AI revolution, and should invest in the skills and technology needed to adopt AI successfully. The research, conducted by PwC and the Analytics Institute, shows that the majority of Irish leaders know that AI is going to change their operations in the next five years significantly, or risk losing competitive advantage. To understand where Irish organisations currently stand on AI development and deployment, we surveyed almost a hundred executives and practitioners about their perspectives on the age of automation, and it is clear from our findings that AI needs to be demystified and woven into the change agenda of Irish organisations. Our analysis delivered some fascinating results, identifying six priorities every leader must know to implement AI in their organisation successfully. We believe a critical aspect of getting companies to face up to AI is to make it less daunting.