AI momentum builds in the West as new report charts SME readiness

In Galway, on December, a ground-breaking new report, Powered by AI: Unlocking SME Growth in the West, has been launched recently at the Galway Bay Hotel, offering the first region-specific evidence of how small and medium sized enterprises across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon are engaging with Artificial Intelligence and where targeted supports are most needed to accelerate adoption.

The study, led by itag / embrAIsme and Regional Skills West, in partnership with the Western Development Commission and written by Atlantic Technological University, brings together survey data, interviews, and case studies from SME’s across the West. It highlights both the significant appetite for AI-driven innovation and the practical challenges companies face in skills, funding, infrastructure, and Readiness.

Speaking at the launch, representatives from the project partners emphasised the importance of strengthening AI capability in the region. The report reveals that while many SMEs are experimenting with AI for efficiency, customer service, automation and data insights, a substantial proportion remain at early stages of awareness and Exploration.

Key findings from the report include:

Strong regional interest in AI, but varying levels of adoption readiness across companies, A clear need for targeted, practical training pathways to help SMEs move from pilot activity to meaningful implementation, The importance of wrap-around supports, including funding advice, peer learning, mentorship, and access to expert technical guidance, The potential for AI to significantly improve productivity, export competitiveness and innovation capacity in the West, if the right enablers are in place.

The report outlines a set of actionable recommendations for industry, government, education providers and regional support agencies. These include coordinated AI upskilling pathways, a shared regional AI knowledge hub, and deeper collaboration between SMEs, higher education and national enterprise agencies.

Denise Rocks, Regional Skills West Manager, noted that the study “captures what SMEs are really saying on the ground; what’s working, what’s challenging, and what supports will make the biggest difference as AI becomes a core part of doing Business.”

A panel of industry speakers at the launch shared real-world examples of AI adoption, demonstrating both its potential and the need for continued investment in skills and capability building.

The partners will now translate the findings into action by working to expand regional training pathways, strengthen access to expert guidance, and establish a shared AI knowledge hub for SMEs across the West.

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