New study by GCD Technologies and IOD sheds light on how NI companies are adopting AI

• 19% of NI firms say they are currently formally using AI
• A further 48% say they are currently exploring or planning to do so
• Only a minority believe they are currently using AI in a strategic way
• Most of those using AI strategically already see it as core to their business strategy and 58% are seeing revenue growth

A survey of technology decision-makers in 200 Northern Ireland businesses by GCD Technologies in partnership with the Institute of Directors (IOD) today 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.

The survey findings are about businesses formally using AI technologies as part of their business operations as opposed to individual employees using tools like ChatGPT in their jobs on their own initiative.

Overall, one-fifth of local companies surveyed said that they are currently using AI technologies formally, whilst another 48% said that they are currently exploring or planning to do so. This means that one third of local firms are neither using nor currently planning to use AI.

Of those who are currently using AI, only a minority (39%) believe they are currently doing so in a strategic way. This equates to just 8% of businesses overall.

Interestingly, most of those who say they are using AI strategically already see it as core to their business strategy, have formal policies in place, and plan to expand their use in the next 12 months.

The most common strategic use of AI cited was to automate core processes (64%), followed by improving the customer interactions (59%) and enhancing product innovation (47%).

86% of those currently using AI strategically say they are seeing efficiency improvements, 71% say they are seeing stronger customer experiences, and 58% say they are already experiencing revenue growth.

Andrew Gough, Managing Director of GCD Technologies, says that the findings underline that there is much more scope for Northern Ireland companies to use AI to help their businesses, but that using it strategically is key to harnessing real benefits.

He says: “The survey findings give us a fantastic picture of how local companies are dealing with the growth in prominence of AI. Less than one-fifth are currently using AI, and of these, about four in 10 are applying it in a custom or strategic way. The reality is that most businesses are still experimenting with general-purpose tools such as ChatGPT, focusing on quick wins like workflow automation, content generation and improving data quality. But while useful, these applications only scratch the surface of what AI can deliver.”

“Early adopters though who have taken a more strategic approach report far greater benefits with improved efficiency, enhanced customer experience and revenue growth. The difference is clear. AI delivers its biggest impact when it is aligned to core business objectives and used as a driver of innovation rather than simply an efficiency tool,” he continues.

Kirsty McManus, Director for Professional Development Services & National Director at IoD Northern Ireland, says: “Business leaders in Northern Ireland who are early adopters of AI are excited about the potential benefits. However, many businesses are facing a range of challenges when it comes to implementing and managing AI from the top down. These include gaps in skills and expertise at board level, as well as broader concerns around trust, reliability, security, and the actual value AI can bring to their organisations.”

Interestingly, companies surveyed tend to see AI as a driver of efficiency and innovation rather than a way of reducing jobs.

Across the full sample of 200 companies surveyed, the most frequently cited potential perceived benefits of AI were ‘Automation of workflows’ (35%), ‘Improved data analysis’ (34%), ‘Enhanced content generation’ (34%) and ‘Automating aspects of book keeping and payroll’ (30%).

Emerging and less common benefits identified include improving security, real-time translation, data mining and identifying where customer escalation is required.

Amongst those not using AI, common barriers cited include: ‘Lack of AI knowledge’ (41%), ‘Lack of expertise’ (36%), ‘Budget constraints’ (22%), ‘Integration concerns’ (21%), ‘Ethical or privacy concerns’ (17%), and ‘Uncertainty over return on investment’ (13%).

The findings also highlight that the hurdles to adopting AI strategically are not just technical or financial. A lack of in-house skills was cited by 61% of respondents as a challenge, while 44% pointed to resistance to change within their organisation.

The results are based on a programme of telephone interviews carried out by Cognisense with technology decision-makers in 200 organisations employing more than 20 people in Northern Ireland. An initial pilot of 20 interviews was undertaken in early May 2025 with the remaining 180 interviews being conducted in early June 2025.

The full report can be downloaded at https://gcdtech.com/ai-research-2025/