MTU receives funding AI research project

A new research project on Leeside will explore how businesses can harness GenAI to drive efficiencies and respond effectively to global market demands.

It’s thought that AI is set to disrupt traditional business models, and this pioneering PhD research project from MTU aims to inform adoption, responsible usage, and proactive skills development are critical for long-term success.

Called Exploring the Optimisation of Ireland’s Response Rate to the Challenges and Opportunities Afforded to Industry and Enterprise by GenAI, the research will be undertaken by Patrick Shields, MBA, who brings over 20 years of domestic and international leadership and management experience in industry.

This PhD research has the potential to significantly benefit Irish enterprises by identifying practical solutions to the challenges posed by GenAI, contributing to Ireland’s competitiveness and supporting businesses in adopting AI responsibly. It responds to Ireland’s National Digital Strategy and ensures that insights will feed back into MTU’s wider work in preparing students and industry partners for an AI-driven future.

The supervisory team is led by Principal Investigator and First Supervisor, Dr Angela Wright School of Business, supported by Second Supervisor and Head of Department, OPD, School of Business, Dr Breda O’Dwyer. Industry Mentor, Sharon Lehane, and AI Mentor, Dr Sourabh Bharti, bring wide-ranging expertise in AI research, enterprise collaboration, finance, and machine learning, ensuring the project is guided by a robust mix of academic and practical insights.

Dr Angela Wright said: “We are delighted to have received this funding to support this PhD work and candidate. 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.”