MTU Receives TU RISE Funding for PhD on the Impact of Generative AI on Irish Industry

Munster Technological University is pleased to announce the launch of a pioneering PhD research project titled “Exploring the Optimisation of Ireland’s Response Rate to the Challenges and Opportunities Afforded to Industry and Enterprise by GenAI”.

The research is supported by TU Rise and aims to seek to nurture and support innovative enterprises, elevate the global competitiveness of Irish based companies, expand export opportunities and ultimately lead to increased revenues and employment across key industry sectors.

The research will be undertaken by Mr. Patrick Shields, MBA, who brings over 20 years of domestic and international Leadership and Management experience in industry. Patrick’s research will focus on how businesses can harness GenAI to drive efficiencies and respond effectively to global market demands. With AI set to disrupt traditional business models, informed adoption, responsible usage, and proactive skills development are critical for long-term success.

The supervisory team is led by the Principal Investigator and First Supervisor, Dr. Angela Wright School of Business, supported by the Second Supervisor and Head of Department, OPD, School of Business, Dr. Breda O’Dwyer. Industry Mentor Ms Sharon Lehane and AI Mentor Dr Sourabh Bharti bring wide-ranging expertise in AI research, enterprise collaboration, finance, and machine learning, ensuring the project is guided by a robust mix of academic and practical insights.

Through close collaboration with industry partners who opt into the research, Mr Shields will co-create best-practice frameworks that businesses can implement. The work aligns with the Irish Government’s ambition to have 75% of Irish businesses using AI by 2030 and will address policy needs at both national and EU levels, including the emerging regulations and standards highlighted by the NSAI Standards and Assurance Roadmap for AI.

This PhD research has the potential to significantly benefit Irish enterprises by identifying practical solutions to the challenges posed by GenAI, contributing to Ireland’s competitiveness and supporting businesses in adopting AI responsibly. It responds to Ireland’s National Digital Strategy and ensures that insights will feed back into MTU’s wider work in preparing students and industry partners for an AI-driven future.

Dr Angela Wright of the Department of Organisation and Professional Development said: “We are delighted to have received this funding to support this PhD work and candidate. The findings of this research will be at the cutting edge of modern business and enterprise and will address the most compelling element to appear on the world’s technological stage, namely Generative Artificial Intelligence, and all of the implications that this technology will have on industry.”

Dr Angela Wright continued, “The expert research team are excited to oversee this research with Patrick, as it will be pertinent, timely and will enable industry to be armed and ready for what lies ahead. ”

MTU’s TU RISE Research to Impact is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27.

For more information, visit www.mtu.ie/research-to-impact/tu-rise-phd-opportunities/. The Department of Organisational and Professional Development also runs the highly successful MBA in Strategy. Applications will be open shortly – email mba@mtu.ie for enquiries.