Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has launched a new foresight study exploring the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Northern Ireland’s economy and workforce.
The report, AI and the Future of Work in Northern Ireland, produced by Matrix (The NI Science Industry Panel), highlights both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, while setting out scenarios for how it may shape the future of work across the region.
Driving Productivity and New Jobs
Launching the report, Minister Archibald said AI has the power to accelerate her Economic Vision:
“AI is helping local businesses to turn the dial on their productivity; by improving efficiency, delivering better automation, and speeding up analytics. AI development is supporting the creation of new highly skilled, good jobs. It has been grasped by the energy sector, to ensure we stay ahead of the green transition. And, with my strong focus on regional balance, businesses right across the North are being supported to put in place the skills and supports needed to adapt and adopt to AI advancements.”
Global Trends and Local Impact
The report comes as generative AI usage is rising rapidly worldwide, with US adoption increasing from 30% to nearly 46% in just six months.
Northern Ireland is already active in this space, with:
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198 firms currently creating AI solutions
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1,340 AI specialists employed locally
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An estimated £82m contribution to the economy (GVA)
In addition, many more businesses and workers are already integrating AI tools into daily operations—something that presents significant opportunities for SMEs in Omagh and the surrounding area.
Collaboration and Innovation
At the launch event, Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, described the report as a milestone:
“This report is a significant milestone for Northern Ireland. It highlights the importance of collaboration between academia, industry and government in driving innovation and ensuring we can compete internationally. It’s highly significant that we’re launching it at Momentum One Zero which, by Autumn 2027, will have expanded its base at Titanic Quarter to host more than 500 experts across academia, engineering and industry.”
Tom Gray, Group CTO and Director of Innovation at Kainos, Matrix panel member, and Visiting Professor of AI and Innovation at Ulster University, who chaired the report, added:
“Artificial Intelligence stands as the defining force of the 2020s: a technology reshaping economies, redefining skills, and redrawing the map of opportunity at an unprecedented pace. For Northern Ireland, the challenge and opportunities are clear: we must choose to be the owners of our future, not bystanders to global change.”
What it Means for Local Businesses
For businesses in Omagh and beyond, the findings are clear: AI is no longer a distant trend—it is already reshaping how companies work, hire, and grow. Local entrepreneurs and SMEs who adapt early will be better placed to compete nationally and internationally, while also creating new opportunities within the community.
Link to report – matrixni.org
