OpenAI research reveals almost 9 in 10 Irish SME leaders now using AI, gaining 5 hours per week

Nearly nine in ten (89%) Irish SME leaders already use AI tools at work, saving them an average of 5.3 hours per week to reinvest that time in improving products and services (37%), planning (30%) and managing staff (28%).

Commissioned by OpenAI for its first European SME AI Accelerator in Dublin today, the Opinium survey of 200 Irish SME leaders found that almost half (48%) use AI tools regularly, with over a third (38%) of users using them daily.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of Irish SMEs use ChatGPT, followed by Gemini (38%), Copilot (34%) and Claude (16%). SMEs use AI for everyday tasks like emails, admin and marketing, but use is broadening, with around a quarter using it for more complex tasks such as research (28%) and coding (24%). Advanced use cases are emerging, with around four in ten AI users (43%) automating tasks, while under one in three (29%) are using AI agents (advanced tools that can act autonomously).

However, SMEs cited several challenges to unlocking AI’s full potential, including data privacy and security concerns (32%), lack of training and education (31%) and the cost of tools and talent (23%). Over a third (37%) of SMEs have no formal AI policy in place.

Nearly three in ten (27%) SME leaders say they are not confident in their ability to use AI effectively, and those lacking confidence are significantly less likely to adopt new use cases. This is despite almost two-thirds (63%) indicating they are likely to implement at least one new way of using AI tools in the next 90 days.

Welcoming today’s SME AI Accelerator, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth T.D. said: “AI can significantly improve productivity and strengthen the competitiveness of Ireland’s SME sector. As we work toward the goals outlined in the recently published National Digital and AI Strategy, accelerating the uptake of digital and AI solutions across businesses is a key focus.

Programmes like this play an important role in making sure companies of all sizes gain the skills and confidence they need to adopt AI quickly and effectively. This will help increase their competitiveness, boost productivity, and contribute to long?term, sustainable economic growth.”

Emma Redmond, Head of OpenAI Ireland, said: “The opportunity now is to close the gap between using AI to be efficient and using it to transform. That means upskilling SMEs with the tools and structures to confidently turn everyday usage into real results and ultimately revenue.”

Co-sponsored by OpenAI and Booking.com, in partnership with Retail Excellence Ireland, The Innovation Exchange and Dogpatch Labs, the AI Accelerator in Dublin sees over 120 SMEs experience hands-on AI training and advice from OpenAI Academy experts, on topics from increasing sales to managing operations. They learn how to design simple, business-ready ChatGPT workflows, especially around content generation, customer engagement, operations and even experience some light automation. Afterwards, SMEs anywhere in Ireland will have free access to the resources, ‘how-to’ guides and explainer videos on the OpenAI Academy online.