The State of AI in Northern Ireland Businesses Adoption, Barriers & Strategic Impact
A landmark new survey of technology decision-makers in 200 Northern Ireland businesses by GCD Technologies in partnership with the Institute of Directors (IoD) reveals the extent to which companies here are formally using AI, whether they are doing so in a strategic way, and how they intend to use AI in the future.
Key findings include:
📌 Only 19% of Northern Ireland businesses currently use AI
📌 Fewer than 4 in 10 of these (39%) use it strategically
📌 Strategic adopters are seeing real impact – 86% report efficiency gains, 71% improved customer experience and 58% revenue growth
📌 Main barriers to adoption are lack of knowledge (41%), in house skills (36%) and budget restrictions (22%)
📌 Just 20% of non-AI users have governance or controls in place
The findings highlight both the early stage of AI maturity in Northern Ireland and the growing appetite among business leaders to explore its potential. As adoption accelerates, there is a clear opportunity for organisations to invest in skills, governance and innovation to stay competitive.
Andrew Gough, Managing Director at GCD, said:
“AI delivers its biggest impact when it’s aligned to core business objectives and treated as a driver of innovation, not merely as an efficiency tool.”
Kirsty McManus, National Director for IoD Northern Ireland, added:
“This report provides a vital snapshot of where Northern Ireland stands on AI adoption and the steps leaders can take to unlock its full potential.”
You can read or download the whole report in the download sidebar.
