Tom Gray presented the findings from ‘AI and the future of work in Northern Ireland’ at the recent AICON event held at Titanic Belfast.  As Chair of the report he commenced his presentation  stating “AI is not coming to Northern Ireland—it’s already here, reshaping how we work, compete, and create value.  The question isn’t whether AI will transform work, but how we ensure transformation serves our people, businesses, and communities”.

Watch Tom’s presentation of the findings at AICON.

To summarise the key takeaways from the presentation:

  1. AI Is Here—Not Just on the Horizon
  • AI is actively reshaping work, competition, and value creation in Northern Ireland.
  • The region faces a narrowing window for strategic action as global AI adoption accelerates faster than previous technological shifts.
  1. Comprehensive Analysis & Urgency
  • The findings represent the most thorough analysis of AI’s workforce impact through 2030.
  • Northern Ireland must choose to lead in AI or risk being left behind as other regions move decisively.
  1. Distinctive Strengths & Vulnerabilities
  • Northern Ireland’s compact scale, collaborative culture, and expertise in software and cybersecurity provide a strong foundation.
  • However, the region’s economic structure and FDI focus on back-office operations make it especially vulnerable to AI-driven automation.
  1. Disruption & Opportunity
  • High-exposure sectors (information, professional services, education) face immediate disruption but also offer the greatest potential for productivity gains and new service models.
  • Entry-level roles and administrative positions—especially those held by women—are most at risk, threatening traditional career pathways.
  1. Four Scenarios for Northern Ireland’s AI Future
  • Titanic Leap: Rapid adoption with strong reskilling, making NI an AI powerhouse.
  • AI Stampede: Rapid adoption but widening skills gap, risking social cohesion.
  • Crafted Catching Up: Gradual adoption with adaptive skills, prioritizing social cohesion but risking missed opportunities.
  • Slow-Lane Spiral: Gradual adoption with growing skills gap, risking economic stagnation and brain drain.

 

Strategic Recommendations

There are 10 recommendations featured in the report focussing on:
i) willingness ii) capability iii) capacity

  • Scale up leadership programmes and sector-specific adoption pathways.
  • Establish a citizens’ assembly for ethical AI implementation and public trust.
  • Expand support for AI enterprises, focusing on compute credits and peer networks.
  • Prioritize modular certification and micro-credentials for workforce reskilling.
  • Leverage existing strengths in cybersecurity, health tech, and collaborative culture.
  1. Call to Action
  • Northern Ireland must act boldly and collaboratively to own its AI future, ensuring no community or sector is left behind.