Seizing these opportunities will mean that current era is not a missed opportunity

Launching the association’s Budget 2025 submission, Digital Business Ireland (DBI) has today called on the Government to support key proposals that will accelerate digital transformation within the SME sector. As part of its proposals to Government, DBI is advocating for the promotion of AI adoption and fostering sustainable growth for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while helping businesses to be compliant with their obligations under the upcoming European Accessibility Act (EAA) which will come into force for private businesses from June 2025. The Association asserts that “seizing these opportunities will mean that current era is not a missed opportunity for Ireland and its burgeoning digital business base to succeed on the global stage.” 

DBI’s key recommendations for Budget 2025 include:

• Digital and AI training fund for SMEs: DBI proposes the creation of a dedicated Digital and AI training fund to support SMEs in adopting artificial intelligence technologies, empowering them to enhance productivity and competitiveness and capacity within, measures which will enhance the digital transition.    
• Digital infrastructure investment: Prioritising investment in digital infrastructure, including warehousing, broadband and data centres. 
• Grant support to help SME’s comply with the European Accessibility Act: The European Accessibility Act (EAA) mandates the websites, digital assets and applications of private sector bodies to be fully digitally accessible by 28 June 2025.   
• Appropriate resourcing of regulators: Resourcing of all the relevant digital regulators with responsibility for the AI Act is now a national imperative.   

Speaking on the importance of the implementation of these key measures, Chair of Digital Business Ireland, Caroline Dunlea said: “The Government has a unique opportunity in Budget 2025 to support businesses in adopting new technologies and staying competitive in an increasingly digital world. By prioritising digital transformation and providing the necessary funding for AI deployment and its associated infrastructure, Ireland can continue to lead the way in digital transition, while creating a more inclusive economy for SMEs across the country.

With the digital economy evolving rapidly, these measures are vital for ensuring Ireland remains a global leader in digital business, while also helping to close the gap in technology adoption between large enterprises and SMEs. As the voice of the Irish digital commerce sector, DBI is confident that with the right support, Ireland’s businesses can continue to thrive, driving growth and scale for Irish digital enterprise. The suite of recommendations presented by DBI to Government ahead of Budget 2025 will be key in driving enterprise productivity and competitive advantage.”