Without doubt, 2024 was the year in which organisations in Northern Ireland discovered artificial intelligence, or AI.
A growing number of employees have embraced this powerful technology in their daily lives while businesses have piloted its use within areas of their organisation.
For many, the test and learn phase has started to pay off. A recent Morgan Stanley survey indicates that most investments in AI have met or exceeded expectations.
As we look towards a new year, one thing is crystal clear. 2025 will be a pivotal year for technology, where Generative AI (GenAI) moves from experimentation to execution and becomes an essential driver of business transformation.
The era of trial and error in AI has come to an end, with businesses of all sizes moving to strategically adopt GenAI to enhance productivity, efficiency and growth. If an organisation’s AI strategy isn’t clearly defined yet, make it a top priority in 2025.
2025 will be the year in which businesses realise tangible returns from their AI investments. Northern Ireland’s healthcare, finance, and logistics sectors will lead the way in deploying AI and scaling it to solve current challenges.
By processing vast amounts of historical data and real-time information, businesses in the logistics sector can anticipate demand for key products and ensure the right products are at the right place and time.
Businesses will also need to prepare for the rise of AI agents. These new software systems are designed to plan, make decisions, and execute actions autonomously. Unlike the chatbots we know today, AI agents will resolve more detailed customer inquiries and tailor real-time marketing campaigns.
Employees across Northern Ireland will also see first-hand how AI PCs will help shape the future of work.
The next generation of PCs will be smarter and more adaptive, enabling workers in Northern Ireland to achieve unprecedented levels of productivity. Equipped with embedded AI, these devices will automate routine tasks, such as organising emails, drafting follow-ups, and managing to-do lists.
With a significant refresh of PC hardware anticipated in 2025, organisations relying on outdated devices will have to upgrade to remain competitive in an AI-driven workplace.
2025 will see the convergence of AI with quantum computing, 6G networks, and edge computing, unlocking new opportunities for organisations in the public and private sectors.
For example, 6G’s ultra-fast connectivity combined with AI will result in the emergence of smart factories across Northern Ireland. Smart factories that make real-time decisions, improving productivity and reducing downtime.
By using AI to analyse patient data, healthcare providers in Northern Ireland can identify early warning signs of chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease. enabling timely interventions and personalised treatment plans. This not only enables timely interventions and personalised treatment plans but also improves patient outcomes.
The growing adoption of GenAI among businesses in the region will make AI fluency a vital skill in every sector of the economy. From advanced programmers and prompt engineers to AI content editors, new AI tasks and jobs will also emerge.It’s clear from Dell’s Innovation Catalysts Study that a growing number of organisations in Northern Ireland are beginning to upskill their people. Six in 10 organisations are now training or upskilling their employees to use AI.
In 2025, every business and organisation will need to prioritise the upskilling of their employees and putting in place dedicated workforce transformation plans to stay competitive.
2025 is not just another year of technological evolution; it’s a turning point for Northern Ireland’s economy.
By embracing AI with clear strategy, modern infrastructure, and a commitment to workforce transformation, businesses and organisations can unlock unprecedented opportunities for innovation and growth.
Northern Ireland is well positioned to harness the power of AI to navigate the challenges that lie ahead and to innovate long into the future.
At Dell, we’re not just observing this transformation — we’re driving it. Through our expert teams, advanced technologies, and initiatives like the Dell AI Factory, we’re empowering organisations to seize the promise of AI and turn it into real-world success.
Now is the time for Northern Ireland to lead in the AI revolution — and together, we can unlock the economic and societal gains afforded by new technologies in 2025 and beyond.
- Jason Ward is EMEA north vice-president and managing director, Dell Technologies Ireland and Northern Ireland
