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Why Irish Executives Are Holding Back on Generative AI Despite Trust and Transformation Demands
Less than half of Irish executives plan to give employees full access to generative AI despite 94% expecting work to change. Trust and clear communication are key to AI adoption.
Less Than Half of Executives Plan to Give Employees Access to Generative AI
A recent report from Accenture reveals a notable gap between executives’ expectations for artificial intelligence (AI) and their willingness to fully embrace it within their organisations. In Ireland, less than half (48%) of executives intend to grant full access to generative AI (GenAI) tools to employees over the next three years, despite 94% anticipating changes in the nature of work during the same period.
Trust Is the Key Barrier to AI Adoption
The Accenture Technology Vision Report 2025, titled “AI: A Declaration of Autonomy – Is trust the limit of AI’s limitless possibilities?”, surveyed 21 industries across 28 countries. It highlighted a clear trust deficit impacting AI accessibility. More than 80% of Irish executives emphasised that prioritising a trust strategy is essential for successful AI integration. Furthermore, 84% believe AI’s full potential cannot be achieved without a foundation of trust.
This trust gap is not just about internal acceptance but also customer confidence. Eighty percent of executives in Ireland believe their organisations must actively build trust between AI-driven interfaces and customers. This is higher than the global average of 75%, underscoring a stronger focus on transparent communication and engagement in Ireland.
Employee Engagement and AI Strategy Communication
Executives recognise the importance of involving employees in AI adoption. About 82% of Irish leaders stress the need to clearly communicate AI strategies to employees to foster trust and commitment. This approach aims to create a motivated workforce that supports AI initiatives, which is critical for smooth implementation and long-term success.
Challenges and Expectations Around AI Agents
The report also sheds light on varying expectations regarding AI agent usage. Globally, 40% of executives foresee a significant increase in AI agent deployment within three years, but only 33% of Irish executives share this outlook. However, Irish leaders place strong emphasis on AI personalisation. A striking 95% agree that maintaining a consistent personality for customer-facing AI agents is crucial.
Additionally, 83% of Irish executives note that the similarity in chatbot experiences creates challenges in differentiating their organisations. This highlights a pressing need for businesses in Ireland to develop unique and engaging AI personas that resonate with customers and stand out in the market.
What This Means for Irish Businesses
Without trust, the potential of generative AI will remain partly untapped. Organisations need to focus on transparent communication, validation of AI performance, and active employee involvement to bridge the trust gap. Doing so will not only enhance AI adoption but also contribute to long-term business growth and stronger customer relationships.
For executives looking to deepen their understanding of AI and how to implement it effectively, exploring targeted training and resources can be invaluable. Platforms like Complete AI Training offer courses and certifications designed to equip leaders and teams with practical AI skills and strategies.
Summary of Key Points
- Only 48% of Irish executives plan to give employees full access to generative AI within three years.
- 94% expect the nature of work to change due to AI in the same timeframe.
- 82% highlight trust as essential for successful AI integration.
- Strong focus on communicating AI strategy to employees and customers to build trust.
- 95% stress the importance of a consistent AI personality for customer-facing agents.
- Irish executives are more cautious about AI agent usage growth compared to global peers.