SMEs invited to take part in AI adoption survey

Share your views on SME AI adoption

InterTradeIreland has commissioned an all-island study on how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) use artificial intelligence (AI) in practice.

The research is being carried out by Sans Souci, with Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University. It will build evidence on how AI is being used, the benefits for productivity and competitiveness, and the challenges businesses face.

The study will also look at how operating across UK and European Union regimes affects AI adoption, and how public sector support, such as procurement and pilot schemes, can help.

Take part now

The survey aims to gather around 1,200 responses. You can take part if you run or work in an SME (fewer than 250 employees), in any sector, whether or not you currently use AI.

The survey:

• takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete
• asks about your use of AI, challenges and opportunities
• includes an optional follow-up interview

Why take part

Your insights will feed into recommendations on funding and delivering AI support across the island of Ireland. You will also get an opportunity to:

• receive a personalised AI readiness scorecard for your business
• benchmark against similar businesses (where enough data is available)
• get early access to survey results

All survey responses are anonymised. Selected participants may be invited for a short call to explore your experience in more depth, but this is entirely optional.

Find out more and take part in the AI adoption survey.

The research will inform future policy and business support in Northern Ireland and Ireland. The final report is expected later in 2026.

First published 15 June 2026