{"version":1,"type":"story","url":"https://digestai.news/story/ireland-climbs-to-third-globally-and-first-in-europe-for-ai-adoption","json":"https://digestai.news/story/ireland-climbs-to-third-globally-and-first-in-europe-for-ai-adoption.json","markdown":"https://digestai.news/story/ireland-climbs-to-third-globally-and-first-in-europe-for-ai-adoption.md","slug":"ireland-climbs-to-third-globally-and-first-in-europe-for-ai-adoption","headline":"Ireland climbs to third globally and first in Europe for AI adoption","summary":"Microsoft’s Global AI Diffusion Report shows Ireland’s AI user share rose to 49.9% in the second quarter, up from 48.4% in the first quarter, moving the country to third place worldwide and first in Europe. The UAE (73.3%) and Singapore (64.3%) remain ahead, while France and Norway fell behind.\n\nThe report notes that Ireland’s adoption rate is almost three times the global average of 18.8%. Microsoft Ireland’s Work Trend Index adds that 63% of Irish workers now use AI tools at work, up from 56% in 2025, and 76% view AI as a major economic opportunity. However, only 40% say they have received sufficient AI training or guidance, highlighting a skills gap.\n\nCatherine Doyle, General Manager of Microsoft Ireland, said the rise reflects strong momentum but stressed that organisations must provide trusted tools, training and support to turn adoption into real benefits for people and the economy.","keyPoints":["Ireland’s AI user share reached 49.9% in Q2, up from 48.4% in Q1, ranking third globally.","Only UAE (73.3%) and Singapore (64.3%) rank higher; Ireland leads Europe.","63% of Irish workers use AI at work, but only 40% feel adequately trained."],"whyItMatters":"The rapid uptake signals strong demand for AI skills and tools in a small economy, prompting businesses and policymakers to address training gaps and capitalize on economic opportunities.","category":{"slug":"society","name":"Society & Work","url":"https://digestai.news/category/society"},"entities":{"companies":["Microsoft"],"models":[],"people":["Catherine Doyle"]},"firstPublishedAt":"2026-09-21T15:59:00Z","updatedAt":"2026-09-21T15:59:00Z","sourceCount":1,"hasPrimarySource":false,"sources":[{"outlet":"rte.ie","title":"Ireland rises to third globally and first in Europe for AI adoption","url":"https://rte.ie/news/business/2026/0922/1592514-microsoft-global-ai-diffusion-report","publishedAt":"2026-09-21T15:59:00Z","type":"press","primary":false,"lead":true}],"sourceNotes":null,"discussions":[],"thread":null,"cite":{"text":"Digest AI, \"Ireland climbs to third globally and first in Europe for AI adoption\", 21 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/ireland-climbs-to-third-globally-and-first-in-europe-for-ai-adoption","publisher":"Digest AI","title":"Ireland climbs to third globally and first in Europe for AI adoption","datePublished":"2026-09-21T15:59:00Z","url":"https://digestai.news/story/ireland-climbs-to-third-globally-and-first-in-europe-for-ai-adoption"},"generatedBy":"Written by Digest AI's editorial model from the linked sources; the sources are the record.","license":"Headlines, digests and key points are written by Digest AI and may be quoted with a link to the story page. Linked articles belong to their publishers. Terms: https://digestai.news/terms#reuse"}