QBS Business Breakfast Insights: The AI Adoption Dilemma

The latest Business Breakfast Insights event at Queen’s Business School focused on the theme “The AI Adoption Dilemma – Cutting Through the Noise to Create Real Value.” The session brought together business leaders and academic experts to explore how organisations are navigating the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, balancing innovation with risk, and making informed investment decisions in an increasingly complex landscape. The keynote address was delivered by Dr William Quinn, a leading financial historian at Queen’s Business School, who shared insights from his research into financial bubbles. Drawing on historical patterns, Dr Quinn framed the discussion around AI adoption, offering a critical perspective on how business leaders can distinguish between transformative opportunities and potential investment bubbles. Following the keynote, a compelling panel discussion featured Roy Kane, VP of Transformation at Almac Clinical Services; Barry Smyth, CEO at MCS Group; and Grace Wong an MSc AI in Business student at Queen's Business School. The panel explored how organisations are approaching AI adoption in practice, assessing value versus hype, and embedding evidence-based decision-making into their strategies. The session was moderated by Julie McCandless, Director of Business Engagement at Queen’s Business School. The morning also provided valuable opportunities for networking and knowledge-sharing, bringing together diverse voices from across the business and academic communities to exchange insights on one of the most pressing challenges facing organisations today.