Dr Barry Scannell

The firm’s annual AI summit at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre yesterday brought together senior executives, policymakers and legal specialists to hear how AI is progressing from tactical deployment to enterprise-wide strategic transformation.

Over 275 delegates from leading organisations heard from government, regulatory and industry experts throughout the morning, exploring this year’s theme: AI ‘From Implementation to Transformation’.

Through a number of real-time polls throughout the summit, delegates provided unique insights into AI’s current and projected impact on Irish business.

Notably, 71 per cent of delegates thought that AI will “significantly” impact employment levels over the next five years.

A similar 70 per cent of organisations have an AI policy in taste — though only 52 per cent said they have conducted AI literacy training.

The top three roles leading AI implementation in organisations are IT director and IT team (34 per cent), MD/CEO/COO (23 per cent) and R&D (20 per cent).

Dr Barry Scannell, partner in William Fry’s technology department, said: “While it’s encouraging to see that 70 per cent of organisations have implemented an AI policy, it’s concerning that 48 per cent have not conducted the legally required AI literacy training as this creates a variety of risks for organisations, from liability risks to reputational risks.

“This gap underscores the urgent need for organisations to prioritise obtaining assistance when implementing AI technologies to ensure compliance and harness the full potential of AI responsibly.”

Yesterday’s summit opened with an address from Niamh Smyth, the minister of state for trade promotion, AI and digital transformation.

Ms Smyth said: “We are committed to ensuring that as AI drives economic growth, while also safeguarding fundamental rights and building public trust in emerging technologies. 

“We look forward to seeing what the future will bring with these impressive technologies and the positive impact it will have on Irish business and growth.”

The summit also included a fireside chat with Cathal Ryan, deputy commissioner of the Data Protection Commission.

“In an age when technology is rapidly changing and developing, embedding data protection by design is not optional — it is essential. Robust privacy frameworks underpin both consumer confidence and the sustainable deployment of AI,” he said.

Delegates also heard from EU justice commissioner Michael McGrath via a video address, where he said: “Ireland has shown true commitment to AI innovation and ethical AI governance. This provides Ireland with the unique opportunity to emerge as a global leader in AI regulation.”

Subsequent panels covered topics such as Microsoft’s Copilot integration, the shifting landscape of tech investment and M&A, best practices in AI procurement, and the global outlook for AI governance and regulation.

The panels featured senior voices from leading companies such as Microsoft, Anthropic Bank of Ireland, Intercom, Autodesk and William Fry, combining legal frameworks, live demonstrations and case studies to provide actionable guidance.

Leo Moore, head of William Fry’s technology department, said: “The William Fry AI Summit reflects the growing maturity of AI in business.

“By combining legal insight with technical expertise, today’s summit empowers organisations to move beyond proof-of-concepts and scale AI initiatives that deliver strategic value.

“AI is not just a race now, this a sprint. It’s a legal and operational imperative.”