To bridge the gap between the data we're collecting and the way organizations interface with it, we need to address some uncomfortable realities. As we step into the next decade, there's a growing sense – almost an inevitable momentum – that we're headed towards a golden age of AI. Over the past year, we've witnessed incredible advances in applying artificial intelligence techniques to image recognition, language processing, planning, and information retrieval. There are more amusing applications, too, including one team teaching AI how to craft puns. See also: Will the Consumerization of AI Set Unrealistic Expectations?

In the clamour of continual negative news surrounding Brexit, one could be forgiven for thinking that dilemmas around the backstop and border issues are the only game in town concerning Irish business. However, lurking in the shadows, the gathering momentum of artificial intelligence, or AI, represents another multi-faceted development concerning CEOs in the ever-changing landscape of modern business. In a recent PwC survey, almost half of Irish respondents agreed that AI will be the next key gamechanger for business, and will have an impact on the world even greater than that of the internet revolution. While a strong majority believe AI will significantly change the way business is done over the coming five years, fewer than half admitted to having plans to pursue AI initiatives, compared to 77% globally. "Global CEOs are anticipating the AI revolution more so than Irish CEOs", said PwC Ireland's David Lee, adding that the survey suggests business leaders need to invest more in AI to keep up with international competitors and to fully leverage competitive advantage.