Irish Businesses Lead Global AI Maturity with 28% Transformative Stage

UPDATE: New research released today reveals that Irish businesses are dramatically outpacing their global counterparts in artificial intelligence (AI) maturity and trustworthiness. The findings from IDC’s latest report indicate that 28% of Irish organizations have reached the leading “transformative” AI maturity stage, compared to just 10% globally and a shocking 0% in the UK.

This research, commissioned by SAS and published on November 17, 2025, underscores Ireland’s significant edge in the business impact derived from AI technologies. The report highlights that 44% of Irish enterprises fall into the “integrated” stage, a substantial leap over the global average of 28%.

Ireland’s prowess is further illustrated in the Data Impact Index, where it achieved a remarkable score of 4.06, overshadowing the global average of 3.07. This index assesses the tangible business value generated from AI investments, covering critical areas such as productivity, customer experience, and operational efficiency.

In addition, Ireland ranks among the top countries on the Trustworthy AI Index, which measures organizations’ investments in ethical AI practices. The focus on data governance, responsible AI, and compliance indicates that Irish businesses are prioritizing reliability and transparency in their AI systems.

Jean de Villiers, head of analytics at SAS Ireland, commented on the findings, stating, “Ireland’s leading performance in AI maturity and business impact shows the power of a well-established data and technology foundation.” However, he warned that the same regulatory landscape fostering trust poses challenges for data readiness, as many organizations struggle with legacy systems that hinder access to quality data.

The report also indicates that the lack of specialized personnel is less of a concern for Irish firms compared to the global average, suggesting a growing local expertise in AI. Nevertheless, data governance challenges loom large, with 42% more Irish respondents identifying it as a hurdle than their global peers. This may reflect a deeper understanding of the necessity for high-quality data to unlock the full potential of AI.

Notably, only 40% of organizations worldwide are investing in trustworthy AI governance and ethical safeguards, even though those prioritizing these aspects are 60% more likely to double their ROI from AI projects. In Ireland, 9% of organizations demonstrated strong alignment with trustworthy AI principles, while a concerning 51%2,375 respondents across various regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, offering insights from both IT professionals and business leaders.

As Ireland continues to embrace AI with vigor, the findings emphasize the urgent need to address data governance challenges to maintain its competitive advantage in this rapidly evolving landscape. Companies are urged to modernize their data infrastructures and align governance strategies with innovation to realize the full benefits of AI.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Ireland solidifies its position as a leader in AI maturity and impact.