Could AI agents accelerate your organisation?

Irish organisations are investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) agents, but investment alone won’t deliver transformation.

PwC’s AI Agent Survey shows that, while 70% of organisations plan to increase their AI budgets, fewer than one in ten report broad adoption.

This gap between ambition and execution presents a significant opportunity for organisations in all sectors and industries. 

Early gains, but the real value is still ahead 

AI agents are emerging as powerful tools to drive productivity and efficiency, yet most Irish organisations are still at the early stages of their journey.

Nine out of ten organisations have started exploring agentic AI, but few are using it to fundamentally rethink how work gets done. Compared to the US, where 52% report enterprise-wide adoption, Ireland has ground to cover. 

The early signs are promising. Over half of Irish respondents confirm measurable productivity gains from AI agents, but only 38% say these gains have translated into tangible cost savings. That disconnect highlights a critical point: without redesigning processes and embedding AI into core operations, benefits will remain localised rather than systemic. 

The potential is clear. Nearly three in ten Irish organisations believe their operating model will be unrecognisable within two years because of AI agents, but the practical work to make that real has only just begun. 

The barriers to scale 

One of the biggest barriers is data.

40% of Irish organisations cite data issues as the top obstacle to realising value, and integration with legacy systems remains a challenge for more than a third.

These figures underscore the need for modern data infrastructure and responsible data practices. 

Trust is another critical factor. Only 7% of organisations express high confidence in AI agents across key functions, and none trust them for financial transactions. Building trust through transparency, oversight and robust governance will be essential for scaling adoption. 

The workforce dimension cannot be overlooked. AI isn't just about technology; it’s about people and how work gets done. While 44% of Irish leaders expect AI to transform roles within the next year, only 18% are rethinking their operating models. Upskilling and change management will be vital to turn disruption into growth and ensure employees are equipped to work effectively with AI agents. 

Looking ahead 

Irish organisations have a pivotal opportunity to move from early adoption to comprehensive reinvention. That means expanding AI beyond back-office functions into areas like product development, sales and marketing, and cybersecurity — domains where the technology can deliver real competitive advantage. It also means embedding responsible AI frameworks, modernising data, and creating a culture of trust and agility. 

The organisations that act decisively now will set the pace for Ireland’s next wave of business transformation. Our AI Agent Survey uncovers the latest trends so you can accelerate adoption, build trust and unlock sustainable growth. 

Read the full report for local insights and practical steps to help you lead with confidence.