Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) could add up to €148 billion to Ireland’s annual GDP by 2038, according to a new report from Accenture.
The research found that the technology could also deliver major productivity uplifts across the private and public sectors.
Industries such as life sciences and financial services could see productivity gains of up to approximately 20% and 30%, respectively.
Across all industries analysed, total annual savings could amount to €22.2 billion if the full potential of the technology to automate and augment work is realised.
The public sector stands to benefit the most, according to Accenture, with Gen AI capable of enhancing 42% of working hours in the Irish public sector, excluding healthcare.
“Ireland stands at a pivotal moment in its AI journey, with the potential to add €148 billion to annual GDP by 2038,” said Hilary O’Meara, Country Managing Director, Accenture in Ireland.
“Achieving this potential, however, will require collective action from the full ecosystem – government, business, and academia – to build an AI-skilled workforce and foster responsible innovation,” Ms O’Meara said.
The report identifies factors which pose a risk to the realisation of Ireland’s AI potential including a deployment gap between companies that have invested in the technology and those who have not, a skills gap among Irish workers and concerns over whether governments and business leaders will make the right decisions when it comes to AI.
Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment described the report from Accenture as a timely and useful resource for business leaders in taking practical action and building trust in the responsible deployment of AI.
“The refresh of Ireland’s National AI Strategy published recently sets out our ambition to seize the opportunity of AI for our collective good,” Mr Burke said.
“We must keep evolving with technology, transforming how we do things and raising our productivity, in both our homegrown companies and foreign multinationals,” he added.
The study was conducted by Accenture using research methods including economic modelling, surveys with employees and executives, as well as interviews, client experience and case studies.