A survey from Deloitte of businesses participating in Ireland’s Best Managed Companies programme finds two-thirds deploying AI, while one-third see talent and rising costs as key concerns. Other findings included that rising business costs remain a key concern (33pc), while close to one-third said talent acquisition and retention remained crucial as 28pc of companies said it was their biggest barrier to growth. International expansion and increasing headcount were each cited by 52pc of companies, rising to 71pc among tech companies. The findings come from a survey of 115 indigenous, private businesses that are participants in Deloitte’s Ireland’s Best Managed Companies programme, the winner of which will be announced on 25 September. “These companies are not just talking the talk, they’re walking the walk, with 62pc already harnessing the power of AI to enhance productivity.