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# Technology
How can we make Ireland a global technology hub?
A new strategy aims to harness Ireland’s strengths when it comes to the technology sector.
A NEW STRATEGY sets out the steps to make Ireland a global technology hub.
ICT Ireland and the Irish Software Association are behind the new document, The Global Technology Hub: How Ireland enables success for international and indigenous technology companies, which was launched by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton.
The document sets out the future opportunities and trends for the industry in Ireland and says that if they are supported, they “will deliver further investment, growth and jobs”.
It outlines key recommendations for government, academia and industry to ensure that the industry’s potential is fully realised.
The strategy also identifies a number of key areas for growth, including:
- Digital services in every business;
- Smart cities and smart infrastructure
- Analytics and big data
- Apps, content and mobility
- Cloud computing
- High-tech manufacturing.
Paul Sweetman, Director of ICT Ireland and the ISA, said that the industry is “thriving”, with over 18,000 jobs announced in the technology sector since 2010 and exports continuing to grow.
“The sector has the potential to deliver so much more,” he said.
In order to realise this ambition, we have worked with our member companies to devise a blueprint strategy. This document sets out our vision for Ireland to retain and build upon its reputation as an attractive location for business.
Sweetman said that given the breadth and depth of technology companies already established here, “Ireland is uniquely placed to become a global technology hub”.
The Irish Software Association and ICT Ireland say that their mission includes ensuring Ireland is an attractive place for ICT investment, and to raise the importance of the ICT sector to the Irish economy.
Today, 105,000 people are employed in the technology sector in Ireland. The strategy states that Ireland must “avoid complacency” and address the challenges facing it.
To read the full strategy, click here (PDF).
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