Only one in four Irish business leaders believe they have the right skills and capabilities to harness the potential of AI within their organisation. 

This is according to research released by the Irish Management Institute (IMI) at its National Leadership Conference on Thursday.

Lack Of Knowledge

The research reveals a skills shortage among senior business leaders preparing for Ireland’s AI-enabled future. 

The main barrier to navigating an AI future was found to be uncertainty (39%), indicating a pervasive lack of knowledge in the business community regarding the potential applications and impact of this technology.

'Significant Concern'

“With ongoing advances in AI and disruptive digital technologies, the fact that only 25% of business leaders feel they have the necessary skills in place to support these changes is of significant concern," said Shane O’Sullivan, interim CEO of the IMI.

"Top-down leadership is critical for driving this fundamental transformation of how we work." 

Senior Business Leaders
 
First held over 70 years ago, the National Leadership Conference brings together senior business leaders from across Ireland to explore how leaders can learn, innovate and lead in a rapidly changing environment. 

Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail Neale Richmond was in attendance along with keynote speakers including Bruce Daisley, a former VP EMEA at Twitter and international consultant on workplace culture, Deborah Threadgold, General Manager at IBM Ireland, and Ronan O’Gara, Head Coach at La Rochelle.

'New Technologies'

“Business leaders across Ireland have proven their resilience in navigating challenges over the past years, from the emergence from the Covid-19 pandemic, to skills shortages and rising costs," said Minister Richmond.

"As the business environment continues to evolve, it is crucial that firms and workers are well equipped to embrace the opportunities presented by new technologies such as AI."

Source: www.businessworld.ie