Barriers preventing AI adoption among Cork SMEs 

Research commissioned by Google found almost 60% of Cork SMEs believe they are behind their competitors when it comes to adopting AI

The main barriers preventing greater AI adoption among SMEs in Cork include fear of making mistakes (40%), not knowing where to start (28%) and lack of skills (23%).

Only 3% of Cork SMEs consider AI as essential to their operations, despite the majority believing it can positively impact its business, new research by Amárach shows.

The report, commissioned by Google ahead of an event in Cork City Hall next week hosted in partnership with the local enterprise office, found that a quarter of Cork business with less than 250 employees do not use AI at all across their operations.

The main barriers preventing greater AI adoption among SMEs in Cork include fear of making mistakes (40%), not knowing where to start (28%) and lack of skills (23%).

Google said the findings point to a widening gap between ambition and capability, one that risks leaving parts of the Irish economy behind unless addressed. 

"Tasks within jobs are changing," says head of Google Ireland, Vanessa Hartley. "We want people to remain competitive and ahead of the curve."

Google noted that Cork SMEs are feeling the competitive pressure of AI integration with 58% believing they are behind their competitors when it comes to AI adoption. 

In addition, over half of SMEs based in the county are concerned their business will be left behind without AI implementation. 

The research also highlights that micro-businesses, longer established firms and non-exporters are most at risk of falling behind.

AI Works for Cork will take place in Cork City Hall on May 14 and will feature insights from Google AI experts on how SMEs can use AI to drive growth in their business.

Attendees at the event will hear from Aimee Connolly, Founder and CEO of Sculpted by Aimee, for a fireside chat on her experience of using AI to enhance productivity and drive growth for her business.