By Phil Codd, Managing Director, Expleo
Navigating a storm of uncertainty, business leaders across the globe have been on the edge of their seats since the beginning of 2025. Donald Trump’s re-election, followed by mounting geopolitical tensions, and an escalating DEI culture war, have brought about a wave of challenges. Despite these exceptional times, Irish enterprise leaders are not only weathering the storm but meeting the challenges head-on with strength and determination. Through an unwavering resilience, decision-makers are going against the grain and thriving as a result.
February 2025 marked the beginning of the United States new tariff policies, sending the world’s economies into a spin. Ireland was not immune to these developments, and significant concerns swirled over the potential impact on its pharmaceutical, technology, alcohol and agri-food industries. Expleo’s Business Transformation Index 2025 appeared to confirm these fears, revealing that 57% of large enterprises in Ireland– those with 250 employees or more – were actively exploring ways to reduce their reliance on the US. A further 63% were preparing for a weaker Irish economy and almost the same proportion, 64%, anticipating similar challenges on a global scale.
Simultaneously, business leaders have had to wrestle with data, transformation disruption, cybersecurity threats and changing people needs. These issues have collided to create one of the most complex environments business leaders have faced in decades. Yet, our research shows that amidst this volatility, Ireland’s business decision-makers are steadfast in their capacity to adapt, evolve and lead.
Irish enterprises are not willing to wait for stability; they are building resilience into their operations by design. AI has finally moved from rhetoric into action, while the impact of transformation on workforces is being carefully considered. We found that 70% of Ireland’s largest enterprises believe AI should be managed like an employee to avoid conflicts with company culture and people. Despite some challenges to iron out, enterprises are ultimately embracing AI, resulting in greater workforce opportunities. Our Business Transformation Index 2025 report revealed that almost three-quarters of large enterprises will pay more for team members who have AI-specific skills.
Overall, businesses are determined in their pursuit of digital transformation. However, this is not at all costs, and they are demonstrating a willingness to pivot on transformation plans and reassess if needed, rather than pursue broad digitalisation. In fact, 81% of large businesses say they have scaled back transformation plans over the past year. Rather than signalling a slowdown, this points to a sharpening of strategic focus, and businesses must ensure they are assessing the cost of transformation against thev alue it delivers.
From our research, we can see that spending across areas including AI, automation and cloud infrastructure will be substantial and for most, their IT budgets will increase. Among those who said they would decrease expenditure a lack of return on investment and business imperative were blamed. So, over the next year, there will be a greater onus on those leading transformation projects to prove the business value and tangible gains that they will bring.
As digital technologies become more embedded in their operations, business leaders appear almost overwhelmed by the Pandora’s Box that is cybersecurity. There is no doubt that large enterprises are living in fear of cyber-crime, with 24% admitting that they expect to fall victim to an attack in the coming year. Furthermore, one in five are now setting aside budget for the payment of cyber-ransoms, averaging €2.7M each.
Ireland’s enterprise leaders know that there will always be challenges and this year has spotlighted how their resolve endures even when predictability falters. Ireland’s decision-makers are not just reacting to change; they are recalibrating the very foundations of how their organisations and the minds that lead them operate.
While 2025 has been, and continues to be, a bumpy ride, Ireland’s business leaders stand resilient, poised for action and ready to tackle whatever challenges come next.
If you’re ready to strengthen your business and embrace change, connect with our experts today.
