Ireland has topped the EMEA region for integrating AI strategies, according to recent research from Deloitte. This places the country at the forefront of artificial intelligence investment, particularly in space exploration and technology. The study highlights Ireland’s growing role as a hub for AI-driven innovation in sectors such as space exploration.
The research, based on a survey of nearly 2,000 C-suite executives across 15 countries, reveals that Irish businesses are leading in adopting AI within their operations. Of the 105 senior leaders surveyed from large Irish firms, 81% confirmed that AI is integral to their corporate vision. This is the highest rate of any country surveyed, indicating Ireland’s commitment to AI and space exploration.
In addition to this, Ireland ranks second in the region for appointing dedicated AI leadership. One in four Irish companies now has a Chief AI Officer, compared to one in five firms across the region. These leaders are driving AI initiatives that are transforming industries, including space exploration, with the potential to change the global landscape.
The study shows that Irish businesses are already experiencing significant results from their AI investments. Nearly half (46%) of businesses reported a return on investment within two years for their most successful AI use cases. Furthermore, 52% have seen returns of more than 41%, demonstrating the financial value of integrating AI, including in space exploration initiatives.
AI is also making a considerable contribution to revenue generation. A third (35%) of firms reported that between 6% and 10% of their total revenue now comes from AI-driven projects. This emphasizes AI’s increasing role in business models and its potential to drive advancements in sectors like space exploration.
Investment in AI in Ireland is rapidly accelerating. A remarkable 91% of companies plan to increase their AI budgets within the next year, with 87% already having increased their spending in the last 12 months. Over half (51%) are dedicating between 11% and 20% of their tech budgets to AI, positioning Ireland for continued leadership in AI and space exploration.
Ita Langton, Head of Technology and Transformation at Deloitte Ireland, emphasized that Ireland is emerging as a global leader in AI value realization. “C-suite leaders in Ireland are pushing AI use cases forward, with 30% of these initiatives driven directly from the top,” she said. Langton added that Ireland is moving from AI exploration to full-scale execution, particularly in fields like space exploration, where AI is having a transformative impact.
As Irish firms transition from research and development to real-world execution, AI is becoming an essential tool in shaping the future of industries, especially in space exploration. This trend reflects Ireland’s ability to scale AI innovation responsibly and effectively across global markets.
The research underscores Ireland’s growing leadership in AI strategy, positioning it as a global hub for AI innovation, with a particular emphasis on the rapidly evolving field of space exploration.
