A major new report launched today by Ulster University’s Strategic Policy Unit (SPU) sets out five urgent policy recommendations to guide the responsible and effective adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Northern Ireland.
Unveiled at a special event hosted at Ulster University, “AI for NI: A Strategic Overview for the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Northern Ireland” was presented by Professors Stephen Farry and Jodie Carson and welcomed by Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, University Provost.
The report is the latest publication from the Strategic Policy Unit, which provides independent, cross-sector analysis to inform long-term policymaking in Northern Ireland.
AI is already the subject of significant research within universities and innovation by local companies, and it is increasingly being adopted by individual businesses and within elements of the NI public sector.
The report, which includes 46 recommendations for the Executive, argues that a more overarching and cross-cutting approach is needed to reflect the wider socio-economic significance of AI for Northern Ireland and to capture a range of underlying policy dependencies.
It warns that Northern Ireland stands at a pivotal moment, with AI offering transformative potential – but also posing risks if government fails to act swiftly.
The five key recommendations outlined in the report are to:
- Unlock AI’s economic potential through strategic policymaking
Northern Ireland must harness AI to address its productivity challenges and capitalise on new economic opportunities through well-aligned, cross-cutting policy action. - Place AI at the heart of public service transformation
AI should be recognised as a vital tool to deliver more efficient, effective, and financially sustainable public services. - Ensure robust governance and transparency
Adoption of AI must sit within a strong ethical framework that prioritises trust, open communication with citizens, and full transparency to mitigate risks. - Address the evolving skills landscape
AI will reshape technical and soft skill demands across the workforce, requiring coordinated policy support across all levels of education and training. - Develop a bespoke AI strategy for Northern Ireland
Building on the Executive’s current initiatives, Northern Ireland needs a comprehensive and forward-looking AI strategy to guide implementation, drive innovation, and ensure inclusive benefits.
Commenting on the report, Professor Jodie Carson stated:
“AI is now a reality. Northern Ireland cannot afford not to exploit the opportunities that AI offers. With the right policies and risk mitigations in place, AI has the potential to represent a new economic model and could be used to drive improvements in our productivity gap with neighbouring jurisdictions.
"AI has the potential to accelerate the transformation of our public services, delivering better outcomes in health, education and transport. However, timely action is required for Northern Ireland to remain competitive, and to turn around struggling public services amidst a challenging financial outlook.”
Professor Stephen Farry added:
“Trust must be built and sustained with the public, which will require legitimising the access to datasets and the mitigation of risks. Strong governance, transparency and public engagement will all be crucial. We must also be mindful as to the changes to the skills landscape that will flow from the AI revolution, and seek to understand the specific local dynamics that may emerge in Northern Ireland.
"This will likely involve growing demand for directly applicable AI skills, alongside a general increase in demand for higher level skills. Many job roles may be augmented by the use of AI, freeing up capacity for workers to refocus on other activities and functions."
Professor Carson concluded:
“We hope that this report will lead to further research and analysis, greater public debate and that timely and pre-emptive policymaking will allow opportunities to be pursued and risks mitigated. The future of local public services and public finances is at stake.”
