**Cork**: Munster Technological University has launched a pioneering PhD initiative to assess generative artificial intelligence’s influence on Irish industries, aiming to enhance competitiveness and address policy requirements while collaborating with industry partners and aligning with government AI adoption goals by 2030.
Munster Technological University (MTU) has introduced a groundbreaking PhD research initiative designed to explore the influence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) on Irish industries. This project aims to support innovative enterprises and enhance the global competitiveness of businesses based in Ireland, thereby creating opportunities for exports and increasing revenue and employment across key sectors.
The research, titled “Exploring the Optimisation of Ireland’s Response Rate to the Challenges and Opportunities Afforded to Industry and Enterprise by GenAI,” will be conducted by Patrick Shields. Shields brings a wealth of experience to the project, having over 20 years of leadership and management experience in both domestic and international contexts within various industries. His focus will be on how businesses can effectively utilise GenAI to improve operational efficiencies and meet global market demands.
Leading the supervisory team is Dr Angela Wright from the School of Business, who serves as the Principal Investigator and First Supervisor. She is joined by Dr Breda O’Dwyer, the Second Supervisor and Head of the Department of Organisation & Professional Development. The research will also benefit from the insights of industry mentor Sharon Lehane and AI mentor Dr Sourabh Bharti, with expertise spanning AI research, enterprise collaboration, finance, and machine learning. This combination of academic and practical experience is expected to enrich the research outcomes.
In collaboration with participating industry partners, Shields will co-create a best-practice framework that businesses can implement in response to the challenges posed by GenAI. This initiative aligns with the Irish Government’s goal to have 75% of Irish businesses adopting AI technologies by the year 2030. Additionally, the research aims to address policy requirements at both national and EU levels, particularly concerning emerging regulations and standards defined in the NSAI Standards and Assurance Roadmap for AI.
The potential benefits of this PhD research for Irish enterprises are significant, aiming to identify practical solutions to challenges associated with GenAI. It contributes to enhancing Ireland’s competitiveness and supports businesses in the responsible adoption of AI technologies. Furthermore, the initiative complements Ireland’s National Digital Strategy and ensures that the knowledge gained will inform MTU’s broader mission to prepare students and industry partners for a future increasingly influenced by AI.
Dr Angela Wright commented on the importance of the research, stating, “The findings of this research will be at the cutting edge of modern business and enterprise and will address the most compelling element to appear on the world’s technological stage, namely generative artificial intelligence, and all of the implications that this technology will have on industry.” She expressed excitement about the undertaking, highlighting its relevance and timeliness in equipping industry for future challenges.
This project is part of the broader MTU TU RISE Research to Impact initiative, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional programme for 2021-2027.
Source: Noah Wire Services
