Climb Channel Solutions Ireland, the specialist technology distributor, has announced survey findings which reveal that more than a quarter (28%) of AI/IT decision-makers in Ireland think AI will create jobs for their company

The research - conducted by Censuswide and involving 600 AI/IT decision-makers in large companies across Ireland, the UK and Germany - found that respondents in Ireland were the most positive about the impact of AI on their workplace (45%). In comparison, UK decision-makers were less positive (34%), with those in Germany even less so (26%).

Despite some caution across markets, more than half (56%) of all respondents would trust an AI agent to make routine decisions on their behalf at work. A similar proportion (53%) feel comfortable using generative AI in their role. Some 45% took this even further and said they could not do their job without AI.

That might explain why 55% of AI/IT decision-makers have increased their own use of AI in the workplace over the last 12 months. It might also explain why the same proportion (55%) report that their organisation is planning to scale current AI initiatives.

The study found that investment in AI is also on the rise, with some 52% of companies set to spend more this year compared to last. Positively, 55% of AI/IT decision-makers think their organisation has already gotten a return on investment with their AI spend.

However, it is not necessarily all about getting a return as 54% of respondents in Ireland revealed that employees in their company are encouraged to experiment with AI tools for activities such as prototyping, testing and ideation.

Brian Davis, VP of Sales for the UK & Ireland, Climb Channel Solutions Ireland, said: "It's clear that there is plenty of enthusiasm and positivity around the potential and impact of AI - particularly in Ireland, where experimentation with AI tools looks to be high on the agenda. Given that people see it as an enabler when it comes to doing their jobs and creating employment opportunities, it's no wonder that organisations are upping the AI ante.

"What remains to be seen however is the value that increased usage and investment will deliver, especially in the long-term. While companies can't look into the future and strategies need to remain agile, they can ensure that they are implementing policies and engaging partners today to support effective AI implementation and drive business success moving forward."

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