This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Artificial intelligence is changing work in Ireland for the better, according to a new study led by Taha Yasseri, Workday Professor of Technology and Society at Trinity's School of Social Sciences & Philosophy. The "Right-Sizing AI at Work" study, commissioned by Technology Ireland DIGITAL Skillnet, describes how AI is transforming workplaces across Ireland, highlighting that competitive advantage comes not from technology alone but from how organizations integrate AI into jobs, workflows and workforce development.
It was conducted by the Centre for Sociology of Humans and Machines (SOHAM), a joint center at Trinity College Dublin and Technological University Dublin. The report was launched at professional services company Workday's Dublin headquarters. The research finds that AI is increasingly supporting workers across a range of occupations, with the most significant changes occurring at the level of tasks and workflows rather than through the elimination of jobs.
Workers are increasingly required to review, verify, coordinate and exercise judgment over AI-supported outputs, highlighting the growing importance of effective human-machine partnerships. Lead researcher on the study, Professor Yasseri, Workday Professor of Technology and Society, Trinity College Dublin (pictured above at left with colleagues Dr. Hao Cui), said, "Our research finds that AI's impact on work in Ireland is currently best understood as a process of task and workflow transformation rather than immediate large-scale job displacement.
The challenge for organizations is to design effective human-machine partnerships that improve productivity while preserving learning, accountability, expertise and job quality." These findings come at a time when artificial intelligence is emerging as one of the most transformative forces shaping the future of work, business competitiveness and economic growth. Mark Jordan, chief executive of Skillnet Ireland, said, "Artificial intelligence represents one of the most significant opportunities for Ireland's future competitiveness, but as this research shows, its value will ultimately be determined by how we prepare people and organizations to harness it effectively. Through our industry-led approach, Skillnet Ireland is working with enterprise to equip the workforce with the practical skills and confidence needed to thrive in an AI-enabled economy and support Ireland's ambition to be a global leader in talent, innovation and digital transformation." Una Fitzpatrick, director of Technology Ireland, said, "Businesses across Ireland are increasingly embracing AI to streamline processes, improve decision-making and free up their people to spend more time on strategic priorities.
To maximize these benefits, organizations are investing in workforce capability, leadership, governance and practical skills development. The findings highlight the importance of continued collaboration between enterprise, government and the education and training sector to ensure Ireland has the talent and capabilities needed to succeed in the AI era." The research found that AI use is already a common feature of working life for many employees, with almost half of respondents reporting regular use of AI tools across a wide range of workplace activities. However, widespread use has not been matched by a strong sense of dependency, with many workers continuing to view AI as a support tool rather than something essential to completing their work.
Máire Hunt, director of Technology Ireland DIGITAL Skillnet, said, "One of the clearest messages from this research is that using AI and generating real business value from AI are two very different things. The organizations seeing the greatest benefit are those investing in the skills, capabilities and ways of working needed to embed AI effectively into real business processes. We commissioned this research to give employers a robust evidence base for those decisions and to ensure the programs we develop with industry remain practical, relevant and aligned to the challenges businesses are facing today." The survey participants generally expressed confidence in their ability to use AI and adapt their skills for future AI-enabled workplaces.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
