Irish Business Leaders Reveal Mixed AI Skills and Readiness

A recent survey conducted by the Institute of Directors (IoD) in Ireland has highlighted significant variability in the AI skills among business leaders. The poll, which included 378 C-suite executives, revealed that most participants classify themselves as either beginner or intermediate users of digital and AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot.

The findings indicate that half of the respondents identify as intermediate users, while a further 35% consider themselves at the beginner level. This suggests a broad engagement with AI tools but also underscores a lack of confidence in deeper applications. As the Government’s overview of the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill set for 2026 becomes clearer, the survey reveals a concerning lack of preparedness among these leaders.

65% of those surveyed indicated that they do not fully understand the implications of the upcoming AI regulations for their organizations. Additionally, 64% believe that both they and their organizations lack the necessary tools and knowledge to implement the new rules. Despite this uncertainty, 78% of executives affirmed that AI is important or critical for maintaining competitiveness within their sectors.

When it comes to the use of AI-generated summaries for board papers, the sentiment is cautious. A substantial 76% of respondents stated that such outputs should only serve as supplementary material rather than replace their own evaluations of board documents. Only a small fraction, 6%, expressed confidence in relying on AI summaries as a primary resource.

The survey also sheds light on the current state of AI implementation within organizations. It found that 61% of companies have already integrated AI to a certain or high degree, while 34% are currently assessing future use. However, only 33% of the surveyed executives reported having a formal strategy in place that effectively incorporates AI, with 43% beginning to develop one, and 24% having no strategy at all.

In response to the findings, Caroline Spillane, chief of IoD Ireland, emphasized the necessity for business leaders to adapt. She stated, “The research provides a clear message: Irish leaders recognize the transformative potential of AI, but the pace of adoption is outstripping the development of governance, skills, and regulatory preparedness.”

Ms. Spillane further stressed the importance of companies establishing the requisite literacy, guardrails, and oversight mechanisms to ensure the responsible deployment of AI technologies. As organizations continue to explore the capabilities of AI, the need for structured strategies and comprehensive understanding of regulatory requirements remains critical.

The survey underscores a pivotal moment for Irish businesses as they navigate the complexities of AI integration in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.