AI & Digital Transformation
“Businesses are betting on agents for significant ROI and moving rapidly to deploy them, fearing being
Mark Kelly, Founder, AI Ireland Page 02
“AI needs to enhance the product or service, meet real market needs and maintain strong customer service.”
Anne Lanigan, Divisional Manager, Technology and Services, Enterprise Ireland Page 04
Your AI adoption strategy needs to be driven from the top. Any decision-making should be transparent so that everyone feels included in the journey.
~Stephen Redmond, Director, Head of Data Analytics & AI, BearingPoint Ireland
Irish university overhauls curriculum to reflect ongoing advancements in AI
Built on an advanced ecosystem of world-class academics and state-of-the-art research centres, a university is overhauling their entire curriculum to surpass industry standards amid AI acceleration.
For two decades, the School of Computer Science at University College Dublin (UCD) has been a leader in supporting law enforcement agencies’ fight against cybercrime, training over 1,700 police officers through its MSc in Forensic Computing and Cybercrime. In September, new modules are being introduced in response to new AI-driven challenges.
Rupert Bowen, International Postgraduate Liaison Officer, explains: “All crimes have a digital component now. We teach officers how to gather that digital evidence and use it to secure convictions. We train officers to be both effective and responsible, leveraging AI to find results.”
Future-proofing their AI graduates
With AI evolving at an unprecedented pace, UCD is making it a key priority.
Unparalleled research and industry ecosystem UCD, with a strong AI legacy, hosts the country’s largest concentration of AI experts and are leaders of national initiatives like Insight, CeADAR and the Centre for Research Training in Machine Learning.
“We are experts in this field, collaborating with companies like Google, Microsoft, Accenture and many others on research projects, student placements and internships to equip our students with the ability to shape their own roles as AI continues to develop,” adds Mac Namee.
We are overhauling our entire curriculum to reflect how large language models are impacting the way we write and understand code.
“We are reviewing our entire curriculum to reflect how large language models are impacting the way we write and understand code,” explains Brian Mac Namee, Director of the Insight Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics. “Graduates need a deep understanding of what AI is and how it works. Our newly launched MSc in Advanced AI is a cutting-edge programme, which will train the next generation of AI experts while our modules in subjects like AI and creativity encourage students to explore how far AI can be pushed.”
Pioneering AI applications in healthcare, sustainability and the environment
The university is producing tangible, real-world results, with the UCD AI Healthcare Hub in particular applying AI to some of the world’s most pressing medical concerns. “We’re turning noisy wearable data into meaningful health insights in both clinical and athletic settings. For example, the Mater Hospital’s first AI Research Fellow is using AI for opportunistic screening to flag health issues from medical images taken in emergencies,” says Mac Namee.
As innovation grows in healthcare, sustainability and the environment, the university remains committed to educating Ireland’s future leaders. Bowen adds: “We’re not just teaching tools; we’re showing how they work and which tool is right for the job. That’s what we’ve always done with digital forensics, and now we’re applying the same approach to AI.”
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Forget AI hype: how agents are finally delivering real business value
Executive search throws you deep into the AI hype machine. For years, it yielded mostly promises. Now? AI agents are delivering tangible business value. This shift isn’t just noise; it’s real.
What are they? In essence, provide them with a goal, and these autonomous software tools strategise and act to reach it, navigating complexity without constant human oversight.
Agents shift from hype to ROI
The market urgency is tangible. Staggering survey figures — 96% of organisations plan to expand agent use, over half already have (Cloudera, 2025) — aren’t just enthusiasm; they signal a perceived competitive imperative. Businesses are betting on agents for significant ROI and moving rapidly to deploy them, fearing being left behind.
This marks a crucial departure from earlier AI iterations. We’re moving past clever demos to tools laser-focused on the bottom line. Initially refining back-end IT operations, agents are now driving measurable value across the enterprise.
Consider the direct business impact by type
• Conversational AI agents handle customer queries 24/7, aiming to slash support costs and measurably boost customer satisfaction scores.
• Knowledge-grounded agents act like expert analysts embedded in your data, accelerating onboarding, reducing high-cost research time and minimising errors in complex processes.
• Advanced research agents tackle deep analysis, potentially unlocking faster R&D breakthroughs or identifying untapped market opportunities.
Task automation agents work tirelessly in the background on repetitive digital work, directly cutting operational expenses and, crucially, freeing expensive human capital for higher-value strategic initiatives.
Success requires strategy alongside tech Naturally, rollout isn’t without friction. Technical integration with legacy systems and data privacy remain significant hurdles demanding attention. However, beyond the tech stack, the core strategic challenge lies in identifying the highest-ROI use cases first and cultivating the internal talent needed to manage this emerging human-machine workforce transformation effectively.
Role of agents from optional to essential
The takeaway for leaders is clear: AI agents are no longer experimental toys. They are rapidly becoming fundamental tools for driving operational efficiency, enhanced customer experience and securing strategic advantage. Waiting is risky; early, targeted adoption isn’t just an option — it’s becoming essential for staying competitive. The era of augmented work, powered by practical AI agents, is here. Evaluate your high-impact opportunities now.
Mark Kelly Founder, AI Ireland
Brian Mac Namee Director of the Insight Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics, UCD
Rupert Bowen International Postgraduate Liaison Officer, UCD
Samantha Taylor | Junior Designer: Ellen Cahill
Phillips All images supplied by Getty Images, unless otherwise specified
Ways organisations can get the most from their new AI investment
Here’s how businesses can get the most from AI adoption, says Stephen Redmond, Director, Head of Data Analytics and AI at management and technology consultancy, BearingPoint Ireland.
Why do organisations struggle to realise value from AI, despite investing heavily in it?
Because some organisations — even large ones — don’t have a data strategy. Or they do have an old IT strategy, but one that doesn’t include AI; at least, not AI as we know it today. If your data strategy is over 12 months old and isn’t focused on AI, it’s out of date. If AI adoption is unsuccessful, you risk falling behind more AI-augmented competitors. It can also increase the cost of doing business, or it means you miss the opportunity for cost savings as productivity increases.
What does good AI adoption look like?
Last year, we surveyed 700 organisations and discovered that the AI leaders among them had all their ducks in a row. They had fixed their data architecture and had clear AI investment priorities. They also had effective data governance frameworks in place with alignment across all different functions. Plus, they had built a culture of trust across their organisations.
Why is trust important?
people can be nervous about AI taking their jobs. So, trust is key.
How can you best create a culture of trust?
One way is by training staff to use AI tools effectively, encouraging acceptance through empowerment. It also assures them that AI is there to make their lives easier, and its use is surrounded by an ethical framework and legal compliance. Your AI adoption strategy needs to be driven from the top. Any decision-making should be transparent so that everyone feels included in the journey.
Younger people are especially cognisant of AI, so if you lock the tools down, they’ll get frustrated and use them anyway.
Bringing your workforce with you is vital because it prevents them from going on solo runs with AI, which has security, ethics and legal implications. Younger people are especially cognisant of AI, so if you lock the tools down, they’ll get frustrated and use them anyway. Also,
Course aims to fill the skills gap in AI
A leading technological university is seeking to alleviate a skills shortage within the field of artificial intelligence (AI) with its flexible and hands-on approach to learning through an MSc course.
AHow should organisations prioritise AI investments?
There’s a lot of hype about GenAI and agentic AI at the moment. While this may highlight the need for organisations to have the right strategies and infrastructure in place, it’s important not to get distracted by the latest shiny objects. Instead, prioritise AI investment using ‘a portfolio approach.’
Consider return on investment, feasibility, ethical risks and alignment with your strategic goals. Also, work with vendors and partners to ensure you’re using AI tools in the best way — and for the right tasks.
s the field of artificial intelligence continues to evolve at a pace, so too are the number of companies either already using it or looking into how their businesses can benefit from its implementation.
This exponential growth, however, is currently somewhat stymied by a critical skills shortage and, therefore, work opportunities for postgraduates skilled in AI application have never been greater. Munster Technological University (MTU) is working hard to address this issue and has already seen 200-plus students graduate from its MSc in Artificial Intelligence course.
Expert lecturers lead learning Coordinators of the on-campus and online course are lecturers Ignacio Castiñeiras and David Murphy, whose courses aim to meet this skills gap.
Castiñeiras has a PhD in Computer Science and is an expert in reallife constraint satisfaction and optimisation problems, while Murphy has a background in electrical engineering and teaches robotics.
“In the field of AI, we try to optimise the resources that a company has, so we know what the demands and resources are — and how to apply them in the most optimal way,” explains Castiñeiras.
Three key pillars of AI study for students
The Master’s degree course takes a highly technical, hands-on approach to learning. Students are continuously assessed on the 60-credit course and can either study full-time for a year, or part-time, online over two years.
The course revolves around the three main pillars of artificial intelligence applications. The first is model formalisation and data analysis, to represent a business domain and understand its behaviour so far. Secondly, machine learning, which generates datadriven models of the domain, to enable interpretation/interaction of reality as well as foreseeing/ predicting future events.
Lastly, machine reasoning applies complex mathematical formalisms to enable the very best decision-making among the myriad possibilities. There are also a number of elective modules, dependent on individuals’ particular interests. For example, now with generative AI, many students opt for Natural Language Processing (NLP).
Coding experience really counts Murphy emphasises the need for candidates to have already a high level of programming efficiency and preferably a background in computer science. “The primary consideration is people’s coding experience,” he says.
Sponsored by BearingPoint
Sponsored by Munster Technological University (MTU)
Stephen Redmond Director, Head of Data Analytics & AI, BearingPoint Ireland
WRITTEN BY Tony Greenway
Ignacio Castiñeiras Lecturer, Munster Technological University
David Murphy Lecturer, Munster Technological University
WRITTEN BY Sheree Hanna
AI for business: embracing opportunities and overcoming challenges
While it’s natural to feel some fear around new technologies, I believe AI will ultimately create more jobs than it replaces: better jobs with more value and impact.
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers major opportunities for Irish businesses to boost efficiency, productivity and competitiveness by delivering higher quality products and services. While it’s natural to feel some fear around new technologies, I believe AI will ultimately create more jobs than it replaces — better jobs, with more value and impact.
Smart AI solutions over hype
From my work with Enterprise Ireland clients, I see two main areas of opportunity. The first is improving existing processes. Companies can use AI for intelligent automation, whether that’s behind the scenes or customer-facing. The second is developing AI-powered products to bring to market. Many products already have software elements; now, they’ll increasingly need to include AI to stay relevant. This is a positive evolution.
Transforming architectural design processes with AI
The architectural sector is undergoing a transformation, requiring us to reaffirm our creative value while embracing AI as a collaborative design partner.
At Henry J Lyons (HJL), we have adopted a strategy focused on strengthening AI literacy across our studio, teaching fundamental capabilities that democratise access to generative design tools.
Intelligence augmentation
We familiarise teams early as AI technology grows increasingly powerful and accessible. This approach involves comprehensive training to build competence and confidence, enabling everyone to integrate AI effectively.
Initial trials, which applied finely tuned large language models (LLMs) to bid preparation, delivered marked productivity gains, revealing additional potential for improvement. At HJL, we have created systematic diagrams to map thought processes, identifying where agentic AI and predefined prompts work asynchronously and tap our extensive knowledge base to streamline bid writing. We adopt a stewardship role, guiding the creative process, validating each step and reviewing outputs throughout.
AI needs to enhance the product or service, meet real market needs and maintain strong customer service.
That said, we must be careful how we apply AI. People don’t buy technology; they buy solutions. AI needs to enhance the product or service, meet real market needs and maintain strong customer service, which may require a human interface. Hype won’t deliver results.
Offering AI skills and funding
Finding the right expertise can be a challenge. That’s why we work closely with the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), which offer businesses access to cutting-edge technology support, testing and training. These hubs help companies build their skills and explore how AI can strengthen their offering.
At Enterprise Ireland, we also provide a range of supports, from advisory services to financial schemes like Innovation Vouchers and the RD&I Fund to help businesses progress through their AI journey.
AI isn’t just a trend, it’s a transformation. Now is the time for Irish companies to act — with purpose, with support and with a clear focus on delivering value.
Anne Lanigan Divisional Manager, Technology and Services, Enterprise Ireland
Contractual administration during the construction phase is laborious, but has already become more efficient through AI integration. Subcontractors’ documentation can arrive in inconsistent formats, requiring manual verification against original specifications. Predefined, stepped LLM workflows, however, can now review, reformat and cross-check these documents, reducing manual input and improving accuracy while ensuring that human oversight is central to the process.
Balancing innovation with architectural integrity
AI is already influencing client briefing requirements and the buildings we construct. Advances in chip-processing technology, for example, are forcing fundamental changes in data-centre infrastructure, reshaping how these facilities are designed, powered and cooled. We anticipate similar shifts across other building typologies in the near future.
However, overconfidence and overreliance on AI pose a risk to maintaining architectural integrity, which requires control and oversight, ensuring the human thought process remains central to the idea. Adoption of AI must not come at the expense of human expression in the creative process.
Balance is critical for shaping the future of architecture, embracing innovation while safeguarding professional integrity as we chart the path forward. We must ensure that the tools we use actively encourage critical thinking and engage cognitive effort, enhancing our creative potential.
Identifying
and developing key organisational skills for the AI
era
Learn why it is important for employees to view the introduction of AI not as a threat but as an opportunity for growth and innovation.
As routine tasks become automated, demand for skills such as data analysis, machine learning and AI management will increase; and soft skills like creativity, problem-solving and emotional intelligence will be valued more.
How AI can help employees
AI can allow employees to focus on more strategic, creative and impactful work. Staff can become more efficient, make data-driven decisions and take on roles that require higher levels of expertise and problem-solving. Rather than fearing AI, employees should view it as a tool that will open up new possibilities for career development. With the right support and training, AI can become an invaluable partner in driving both personal and organisational success.
Upskilling and introducing AI early
To prepare for these changes, organisations must focus on reskilling and upskilling their current workforce, ensuring employees have the tools to thrive in an AI-integrated workplace. Investment in training will allow companies to future-proof their workforce, fostering resilience in the face of rapid technological advancement.
In addition, digital skills development across all age groups is crucial in fostering digital inclusion and furthering social advancement. The rollout of basic digital skills provisions across society, particularly with younger and older age cohorts, can enhance digital inclusivity and reduce the digital divide.
Schools should include AI in curricula
Introducing AI concepts early can help students develop critical thinking and technical skills that will be necessary for the future job market. Schools must be supported to build a curriculum that includes AI, coding and digital literacy to equip students with the skills to excel in an AI-driven economy. By doing so, they can bridge the skills gap and prepare the next generation of employees for a tech-centric workforce.
Business benefits of AI integration
For businesses, identifying future skills needs is another critical aspect. Organisations must focus on reskilling and upskilling their current workforce, ensuring employees have the tools to thrive in an AI-integrated workplace. Investment in training will allow companies to future-proof their workforce, fostering resilience in the face of rapid technological advancement.
Gillian Audet Executive, Technology Ireland
Breffni Greene Head of AI and Design Innovation, Henry J Lyons