All-Island AI Research · 2026

Is AI working
for your business?

We're conducting independent research across Ireland and Northern Ireland to understand how Small Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are really using AI - and what support businesses actually need. Your voice shapes the outcome.

Are you driving SME innovation and AI adoption?

If you work in policy, procurement, or pilot initiatives, this research needs your perspective too. Help us build an evidence base that reflects the full picture to drive alignment and collaboration.

Research at a glance
260k+
SMEs across the island
2
Jurisdictions - Ireland & Northern Ireland
6months
Research programme
Policy Impact
Findings go to government
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Commissioned by InterTradeIreland

Independent research conducted by Sans Souci - results go directly to both governments

About the research

Independent research that puts SMEs first

Commissioned by InterTradeIreland and conducted by Sans Souci, this study will cut through the hype to produce an honest, evidence-based picture of AI adoption across the island of Ireland.

We want to understand what's actually happening in SMEs - and turn that into recommendations that genuinely shape policy and support programmes in both jurisdictions.

01
Mapping current AI use

What tools and approaches are SMEs across the island actually using today?

02
Measuring productivity gains

Where is AI delivering measurable improvements - and where is it falling short?

03
Understanding the barriers

What's stopping more businesses from adopting AI with confidence?

04
Shaping policy

What support do SMEs actually need - and how can public bodies deliver it?

Why take part

Your experience matters

🎯

Influence policy directly

Your insights feed into recommendations to the Irish Government and the NI Executive, shaping how AI support is funded and delivered across the island.

📊

Benchmark your business

See how your AI adoption compares with peers in your sector - anonymised data to help you plan your next steps and identify opportunities.

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Early access to findings

Participants receive the research summary before public launch - early intelligence on where the all-island economy is heading with AI.

What to expect

Simple. Confidential. Valuable.

1

Register your interest

Complete the short form below. No commitment at this stage - we'll follow up to confirm participation and answer questions.

2 minutes
2

Complete the online survey

A structured survey on your current AI use, challenges you face, and where you see the biggest opportunities.

15–20 minutes
3

Optional in-depth interview

Selected participants may be invited for a short call to explore your experience in more depth. Entirely optional.

30 minutes · optional
4

Receive the findings

All participants get the full research summary ahead of public launch. All responses are fully anonymised.

Q4 2026

Who we're looking for

Every sector. Every stage of the AI journey.

Whether you're using AI every day, just starting to explore, or haven't started yet - your perspective is what this research needs. We want to hear from SMEs (up to 250 employees) across every sector on the island.

Agri-food
Technology
Manufacturing
Retail & Hospitality
Professional Services
Health & Life Sciences
Construction
Creative Industries
Financial Services
Transport & Logistics
Education & Training
All other sectors

Take Part

Register Your Interest

Takes 2 minutes · No commitment required

Data processed in line with UK & Irish GDPR. You can withdraw at any time. Questions? nathaniel.mcgrory@sanssouci.co.uk · 07706 173255

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