The Global Technology Hub. How Ireland enables success for international and indigenous technology companies

Transcription

1 The Global Technology Hub How Ireland enables success for international and indigenous technology companies

2 Vision statement To make Ireland a global ICT powerhouse

3 Contents 01/Introduction 04 02/Background 08 03/How Ireland is facing the global technology sector challenges 10 04/Future prospects for the technology industry in Ireland 20 05/Recommendations 26 06/How to measure success 30 07/Conclusion 34 01

4 Excellent country to do ICT business in Location of choice for global business Engine of Irish jobs growth Over the past three decades we have worked closely with the government and its agencies as we have grown, evolved and deepened our roots through a continued programme of investment. Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland 02

5 ICT Ireland and the Irish Software Association (ISA) are the technology sector representative bodies within Ibec. Our mission is to: + Raise awareness of the importance of the ICT sector to the Irish economy in all sections of society + Ensure that Ireland is an attractive location for ICT investment by multinational and indigenous companies, by promoting an environment that encourages innovation + Develop linkages between component parts of the ICT industry in Ireland, including both indigenous and multinational companies Ireland provides a test bed for market experience and enables companies and countries to gain a true understanding of user needs and therefore help specify future products. Eamonn Sinnott, General Manager, Intel Ireland Vice President, Technology Manufacturing Group, Intel Corporation 03

6 01/Introduction The technology sector in Ireland is thriving, with exports and employment in indigenous and multinational technology firms continuing to grow. Development agencies in many other countries talk about building clusters of businesses in a particular sector and introducing various forms of government support to aid cluster development. Ireland has a strong track record in attracting and retaining high-tech businesses like ours. Sonia Flynn, EMEA Director for User Operations, Facebook 04

7 The technology sector in Ireland is thriving, with exports and employment in both indigenous and multinational technology firms continuing to grow. In order to meet the demands of this rapidly expanding sector, ICT Ireland and the Irish Software Association (ISA) have worked with our member companies to devise a blueprint strategy for the sector. This document sets out our vision as to how Ireland will retain and build upon its reputation as a global technology hub and a location which underpins the growth of international and indigenous technology companies. While mapping the success factors which have led to the technology sector flourishing in Ireland, this strategy also examines how Ireland is responding to the international challenges faced by the technology industry. These challenges are ever present across all industry sectors as technology has become a cornerstone of today s world. This strategy provides a roadmap to future opportunities and trends for the industry which, if supported, will deliver further investment, growth and jobs. A number of key recommendations are detailed for Government, academia and industry in the implementation of this strategy. ICT Ireland and the ISA will monitor the strategy s success by regularly reviewing Ireland s rankings for specific metrics in the IMD World Competiveness Yearbook and the World Economic Forum Global International Technology Report. This will ensure an accurate measure of how successful our efforts are in growing the technology sector and its knock-on positive impacts on the wider economy. Given the breadth and depth of technology companies already established here, Ireland is uniquely placed to become a global technology hub. We must take a leadership position in guiding the future direction of the industry. ICT Ireland and the ISA have developed this strategy to assist all stakeholders connected with the industry to achieve this goal. ICT Ireland and the ISA would like to sincerely thank all their members for their valuable input and time in creating this report. We would also like to acknowledge a number of key technology experts for their participation in the formation of this report. Ronan Harris Vice President, Google Chairperson, ICT Ireland Edel Creely Managing Director, Trilogy Technologies Chairperson, Irish Software Association Paul Sweetman Director, ICT Ireland & Irish Software Association 05

8 Ireland as a place for technology investment 10 of the top 10 global ICT companies 9 of the top 10 global software companies 3 of the top 3 global security software companies Irelan hom Ireland has a growing population with 50% of the population under 34 years old 1 st for availability of skilled labour 1 st in Eurozone for ease of doing business What others see in Ireland... 1 st for inward investment by quality and value 1 st in Western Europe for Best to Invest 93% of multinational companies rate their investment in Ireland a success 06

9 3 of the top 3 global enterprise software companies d is e to... 4 of the top 5 IT services companies The top 10 born on the internet companies What ICT means to the Irish economy... Over 105,000 people are employed in the technology sector in Ireland Exports worth 72 billion per annum (40% of total national exports) 4 of the top 5 exporters in Ireland are technology companies 07

10 02/Background The technology industry in Ireland employs over 105,000 people across an array of diverse companies. Overall the number of employees has grown to over 300. The quality and professionalism of the people we employ and the business community we work with in Ireland is more than a match for any of our locations worldwide. Adam Greenan, Country Manager, Cisco 08

11 These include leading technology multinationals, indigenous start-ups, telecommunications firms, scaling software companies and digital innovators. Ireland has one of the highest concentrations of ICT activity and employment in the OECD. We have an enviable history of success in the technology field, attracting and retaining many of the world s leading technology companies. The emerging technology ecosystem has flourished in Ireland because of the following intrinsic economic factors: A young, innovative and resourceful workforce; A flexible and probusiness environment; A track record of high education standards; Competitive corporate tax rates; Political stability and social cohesion; Cultural and geographic advantages; A flexible workforce; A proven track record of business development; Ireland s membership of the EU, acting as a gateway to Europe. All of the top ten global technology companies have a significant Irish presence and the country is one of the premier global locations for technology companies. The technology sector is responsible for 72 billion of Ireland s exports 40% of the national total - and 4 of the top 5 exporters in Ireland are technology companies. Highlighted in the recent Forfás report The Costs of Doing Business 2012, business costs have reduced significantly in recent years with overall prices in the economy falling back to the levels last seen in There have been improvements in labour costs, dramatic reductions in property related costs and falling prices across a range of professional and business services. As well as a strong multinational presence in Ireland, there is a scaling indigenous digital technology sector. This sector alone employs over 30,000 people with total sales of over 2 billion per annum. Opportunities now exist for greater collaboration between the indigenous technology sector and the burgeoning multinational technology companies. This collaboration will allow the technology community to be greater than the sum of its parts, enabling the country to become a true global technology hub. S3 Group is export-oriented. We find the business culture and the people we have in Ireland are perfectly suited to this environment. They are naturally outward-looking, flexible, and well educated. John O Brien, Chief Executive Officer, S3 Group 09

12 03/ How Ireland is facing the challenges The technology industry globally faces a number of challenges which we must respond to. While the on-going success of the technology sector is a cause for optimism, we must avoid complacency. The technology industry globally faces a number of challenges which we must respond to. Ireland is addressing these challenges in order to give companies new reasons to base major facilities and projects in Ireland and to enable indigenous companies to succeed at home and abroad. Ireland is winning the global race to enact real solutions to the technology sector s challenges. What sets Ireland apart is the commitment by Government, academia and industry to tackle the issues quickly, nimbly and flexibly. However, we must be vigilant. Ireland is securing key investments in the face of competing economies that are also adapting to the challenges of the technology sector. Our business is constantly evolving, and to succeed we need people who don t just update their skills but continually transform the value they bring to IBM and to our customers. Peter O Neill, Country General Manager, IBM 10

13 Education, Skills and Intellectual Capital Economic Conditions Creating a Digital Landscape 11

14 03/How Ireland is facing the challenges/continued There are a number of challenges faced by the technology industry under the umbrella of education and skills. Ireland is addressing each of these challenges and the below examples demonstrate the improvements to date. 1. Improving the standard of education in Ireland and increasing the uptake of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects at all levels in the education system. In 2012, there was a dramatic increase in the number of candidates sitting the higherlevel Leaving Certificate mathematics paper up from 15.8% in 2011 to 22.1% in This increase was attributable to the bonus points for higher-level mathematics scheme, re-introduced in 2012 following representations by the technology sector. By the Leaving Certificate of 2013, the number of students sitting the higher-level mathematics paper rose by 50% compared to Increasing the output of honours level graduates from college level ICT courses. In 2012, college applications for science, including computer science, increased by 18% nationally. Universities and institutes of technology recorded increases in the uptake of computer science courses of up to 60% in some instances. The work of the joint Government/industry Smart Futures campaign was instrumental in increasing the profile of the technology industry to second level students and encouraging greater uptake of science and technology related courses. This year-on-year growth has continued to date. 3. Maintaining the provision of effective technology conversion courses for those from other disciplines and fields. The Irish Government and industry has committed to the provision of conversion courses which fast track graduates from other disciplines into the technology sector. Initiatives such as Springboard, Career Reboot and Momentum and, the efforts of organisation including FIT and Skillnets have enabled significant numbers to reskill. 4. The up-skilling of current employees in the technology sector through formal continuous professional development. Experienced personnel with high level ICT skills are in short supply globally. Therefore, those currently employed in the sector must continuously develop their skills throughout their working lives. The ICT Ireland Skillnet and ISA Software Skillnet are examples of industry and Government working together to deliver advanced training activities for staff in the sector. Many leading organisations, includingengineers Ireland and the Irish Computer Society, are also providing world class continual professional development activity. 5. The availability of language skills and the ability to attract skilled workers from outside Ireland. Ireland is becoming an increasingly multilingual society. In attracting professionals from a variety of international locations, the availability of languages is increasing. Through major visa reform, introduced in 2013, it is now far simpler for companies to bring in talent from outside the EU to support their Irish operations. 12

15 Education, Skills and Intellectual Capital 13

16 03/How Ireland is facing the challenges/continued Economic conditions are continuing to improve in Ireland. We are out of recession and well on the road to economic recovery. 1. Strength of exports Ireland s economy returned to growth in Despite the challenging external environment, the economy has continued to expand. An export-led recovery has been possible because of the highly open nature of the Irish economy. We have a critical mass in a number of high-tech sectors, such as ICT, medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Many of the world s leading companies have selected Ireland as their international headquarters. 2. Competitiveness The significant improvement in competitiveness that the Irish economy has achieved since 2008 will prove a cornerstone of sustained growth. Much of the economy s restructuring has taken place at the level of the individual firm, highlighting the flexible nature of the Irish workforce. Wage restraint has played its part, but workplace reform has been the crucial factor driving improvements in cost base and productivity. This improvement in productivity is reflected in the dramatic reduction in unit labour costs. The European Commission forecasts that by 2014 Irish unit labour costs will have fallen by over 15% from its peak in 2008 and will be at levels last seen ten years previously. 3. Flexibility for business success The flexibility that makes Ireland one of the world s most attractive locations for business is supported by a range of international indicators. It is this flexibility that allowed Irish businesses to respond quickly to the global economic crisis and regain competiveness. The 2013 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook ranks Ireland very favourably on a number of key measures: 1 st for flexibility and adaptability of our workforce 1 st for investment incentives 1 st for attitudes towards globalisation 3 rd for availability of skilled labour 3 rd for corporate tax rates and real corporate taxes 4. Investors are taking note Strong foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows are an illustration of international investors confidence in Ireland s economic model. IBM s Global Location Trends 2012 ranks Ireland 4 th for FDI job creation and 1 st with regard to average value of investment projects. As Ireland s cost competitiveness continues to improve, the positive trend of strong investment inflows is set to continue. 14

17 Economic Conditions 15

18 03/How Ireland is facing the challenges/continued Creating a Digital Landscape 16

19 Existing and emerging technologies when combined with a strong digital strategy can be a catalyst for change and growth in Ireland. 1. One-Stop-Shop for technology investments Ireland is renowned as one of the best countries to do business in. Agencies such as IDA Ireland do excellent work in attracting investment into Ireland. When established, companies can avail of a number of supports that are on offer from a variety of different agencies - from R&D investment to skills development. However, a one-stop-shop to enhance the co-ordination and more specifically target the many financial, educational and technical supports available from Government and State agencies is needed. The ISA s Irish Software Innovation Network (ISIN) is a prime example of an industry led initiative that acts as a targeted support network for companies and academia. ISIN has proven invaluable to the industry through the pooling of all available information and resources for the digital technology sector within a single entity. 2. Building collaboration between multinational and indigenous companies There is a thriving indigenous digital technology sector in Ireland. A unique opportunity exists to harness the complementary capabilities of both the multinational and indigenous technology companies in a collaborative manner. Enterprise Ireland has a strong track record of supporting start-up, early stage and scaling of indigenous technology companies. Coupling these supports with the work of other agencies, such as IDA Ireland, would accelerate the overall tech sector s growth. This relationship could be developed through some specific activities, such as: Multinational and indigenous companies undertaking collaborative research; Licensing unused IP to indigenous companies on preferential terms; Championing indigenous tech companies to the top level or tier in channel/ partner programmes; Joint participation on in-company executive education programmes; Bundling/licencing of multinational and indigenous company products and services in a single offering. 3. Developing a Digital Society The use of technology throughout society can greatly improve a country s overall economic performance. Work is on-going to increase the level of Government activity using technology as an enabler in a wide range of areas - from our education system to services for citizens. Notably, Government recently published its Digital Strategy to focus on enhancing the digital and online capabilities of the business community and general public. When fully implemented, the Digital Strategy will lead to strong GDP increases rooted in the application of technology. Ireland also has the opportunity to develop a world class capability for data protection and management. Work is underway through discussions at EU level regarding the location of a one-stop-shop for data protection. Ireland is ideally suited to successfully deliver this initiative. 17

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21 The flexibility that makes Ireland one of the world s most attractive locations for business allowed Irish businesses to respond quickly to the global economic crisis and regain competiveness. 19

22 04/Future prospects for the technology industry in Ireland ICT Ireland and the ISA have identified a shortlist some of the highpotential top trends in the technology sector that, if supported by Ireland, will deliver investment, growth and jobs. With a legacy of over 40 years in Ireland at the forefront of ICT innovation, Fujitsu recognises the strategic importance of Irish collaborative research opportunities as a key driver of global company growth. Regina Moran, CEO, Fujitsu Ireland 20

23 The final shortlist was the outcome of a detailed analysis that focused on the following areas: Global ICT trends as identified by industry leaders and consultants; Areas of strength in academic research and indigenous talent in Ireland, as identified by the existence of research clusters with both a national and international profile; Priority areas for research investment with a national focus (for example Science Foundation Ireland) and a European focus (Horizon 2020 investment); Strategic areas of focus for ICT Ireland and ISA member companies with an emphasis on future growth areas within these companies. In all, six trends were identified as strategic investment opportunities for Ireland. 1. Digital services in every business The presence of the top ten global internet companies in Ireland, coupled with the market and political drive for European SMEs to embrace the internet, offers Ireland an opportunity to service a market predicted to make up nearly 8% of European GDP by Ireland has the potential to emerge as the digital centre for SMEs from across Europe. Initiatives such as Activating Dublin will provide a valuable insight into how a national programme can be developed to facilitate thousands of businesses trading online successfully. Ireland can then export this digital services capability globally. 2. Smart Infrastructure and Smart Cities Smart Infrastructure and Smart Cities are key elements of both the Digital Agenda for Europe and the Irish Government s plan for economic recovery. In addition to the opportunity around job creation and service revenue, there are also wider benefits to the economy. These include the implementation of infrastructural upgrades to our energy, water, transport and traffic management systems. Our areas of competitive strength are in design, data analytics and event detection. These are areas where Ireland has been successful in drawing down major EU framework programme funding, as well as developing leading international research institutes. The recommendation is to further invest in these areas focusing on education, research and infrastructure. A particular emphasis should be placed on applications that are most relevance to Ireland s programme for economic recovery, i.e. energy, water, transport and traffic. 21

24 04/Future prospects for the technology industry in Ireland /continued Smart Infrastructure and Smart Cities Digital Services in Every Business Analytics and Big Data High Tech Manufacturing Cloud Apps, Content and Mobility 22

25 3. Analytics and Big Data There is a genuine opportunity for Ireland in the area of data analytics and big data, building on existing clusters at an industry and academic level. This area is strongly aligned with funding initiatives within Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland and EU Horizon 2020 frameworks. We recommend pursuing the services component of big data and data analytics as well as maintaining Ireland as a central bigdata management and warehousing location in Europe. Big data and data analytics are key disruptive reforms identified in the Government s 2013 Action Plan for Jobs, firmly supported by industry. 4. Apps, content and mobility Content and application development is currently a global $300 billion per annum business and expected to grow $650billion per annum by This is a multi-faceted industry and Ireland already has existing strengths in gaming, elearning and digital content creation. There is an emerging opportunity in this space, without a clear dominant global player as yet. The industry is also highly attractive to the growing tech-graduate workforce in Ireland. It is the view of industry that the mobile apps explosion will continue as the number of smart devices and machines connecting to mobile networks rise dramatically. There is an opportunity for any country which has a healthy mix of creativity and application development skills to take full advantage of this growing market. Ireland needs to ensure we have the necessary skill-clusters and development courses to complement the existing international business models in the creative sector. Ireland remains a key location for technology companies to invest, its ability to innovate and creativity in Intellectual Property offers companies the opportunity to grow their business through a highly skilled and talented workforce. Lionel Alexander, Vice President and General Manager, HP Ireland 23

26 04/Future prospects for the technology industry in Ireland /continued 5. Cloud Cloud computing has become established in the sector and will be a key enabler of any ICT strategy. There is an opportunity to ensure Ireland has the necessary systems integration and software development skills required to take full advantage of this new IT consumption model. While infrastructure as a service and cloud security services are considered to be strong growth areas, Ireland should continue to invest in the skills required to expand beyond these niche sectors which are currently globally competitive. 6. High tech manufacturing Ireland has a long history of excelling in high tech manufacturing. The mix of manufacturing exports from Ireland places us in a strong position towards the manufacture of higher complexity products. The recent Intel Galileo board Designed in Ireland is a prime example. In the EU only Germany surpasses Ireland in the complexity of its manufacturing exports. We must continue to support investment in the area of high-tech manufacturing, coupled with high-skilled R&D and the promotion of convergence across all sectors. Ireland has an opportunity to enable the growth of high-tech manufacturing campuses that work across an array of disciplines and activities, in close collaboration with the indigenous digital technology ecosystem and other established sectors such as medical devices, finance, pharmachem and food. Ireland s proximity to our European and US customers, superior technological infrastructure, and availability of so many languages and cultures makes it an ideal business location for SAP. Liam Ryan, Managing Director, SAP SSC Ireland Ltd 24

27 Smart Infrastructure and Smart Cities are key elements of the Digital Agenda for Europe and the Irish Government s plan for economic recovery. 25

28 05/Recommendations Outlined in this document are a set of independent, industry validated recommendations that reinforce current initiatives and bring forward new suggestions from industry. There is a widespread optimism about the sector s future due to the global and European nature of many of the Irish operations based here, and this in turn is reflected in the vibrant IT employee base within Ireland. Liam Halpin, General Manager, Dell (Ireland) 26

29 Many of the obstacles identified in this strategy are not new. A range of reports have identified areas of concern and set out strong recommendations to alleviate these issues. In numerous cases initiatives are underway to address the challenges. Key recommendations for Government: 1. Meet the target of doubling the annual output of honours degree ICT undergraduate programmes by 2018; 2. Increase the number of students with strong maths skills choosing technology related undergraduate programmes; 3. Provide continuous professional development for all maths teachers; 4. Fully implement the new National Numeracy and Literacy Strategy; 5. Build on the visa reforms outlined in the Action Plan for Jobs; 6. Implement the recommendations and proposed actions of the report from the Research Prioritisation Steering Group in its entirety; 7. Introduce an associate professional programme as an alternative route to beginning a career in the tech sector; 8. Maintain support for industry led initiatives, such as Skillnets and FIT; 9. Increase the use of technology in the education system. Key recommendations for industry: 1. Engage with academia on ICT course content ensure graduates are work ready ; 2. Provide work placements as part of undergraduate and postgraduate courses; 3. Support Skillnets programmes and encourage the up-skilling of existing staff; 4. Promote ICT as a career and Ireland as a location of choice to develop that career. Key recommendations for academia: 1. Increase number of places available for tech-conversion programmes; 2. Work with industry to revise ICT course content; 3. Include foreign languages as part of ICT programmes; 4. Actively promote technology as a career to prospective and current students; 5. Include substantial work experience as part of ICT programmes (minimum six month placements). 6. Include critical communication skills development as part of academic courses. Education, Skills and Intellectual Capital 27

30 05/Recommendations /continued Key recommendations for Government: 1. Adopt technology to improve efficiencies, working through the State CIO office; 2. Reduce the burden of labour taxation in order to attract inward investment and entrepreneurship; 3. Encourage increased cost competitiveness; 4. Complete the National Broadband Plan to invest in high-speed broadband at the national level; 5. Complete the examination of how utilities are regulated, by changing the regulatory environment, which may lead to reduced costs for enterprise; 6. Attract new entrants to the Irish banking market review the barriers to entry, expansion and exit; 7. Encourage Irish banks to lower their cost structures to stimulate investment and drive growth. 8. Improve the risk/reward equation for investments in tech companies. Further reform the capital gains tax policy. 9. A short-term urgent visa for company VIPs, possibly administered by the IDA, should be introduced. Economic Conditions Ireland provides the highly educated, motivated employees we need to grow, as well as the government support and ICT industry success culture to drive us forward. Niall Norton, CEO, Openet 28

31 Creating a Digital Landscape Key recommendations for Government: 1. The establishment of a Central Technology Transfer Office announced in the Action Plan for Jobs is a strong initiative. This Office should be extended to serve as a one-stop-shop to direct researchers, innovators and companies through the range of services and funding opportunities offered by Government; 2. Improve the co-ordination between the numerous State agencies that support the technology community; 3. Continue to promote Ireland s reputation for ICT investment and the success of companies who have chosen to locate offices here. Strive for a higher international profile, leveraging highly placed citizens and the Irish diaspora in key corporations. 4. Support the development of indigenous technology companies by enhancing finance and supports available; 5. Encourage the banking system to provide credit to scaling digital technology companies to help them to compete and expand to the next level; 6. Fully implement the National Digital Strategy. 03 Key recommendations for industry: 1. Collaborate with and develop connections between scaling Irish digital technology companies; 2. Promote the work of indigenous technology companies through the networks of the established multinational technology companies based in Ireland. 29

32 06/How to measure success Through analysing specifics metrics and data at regular intervals, an assessment can be made of Ireland s success in each area. Proactive State support for job creation, and an education system willing to explore flexible options to meet changing skills needs, make Ireland an attractive location for continued investment. Michael Gallagher, Country Manager, Ericsson Ireland 30

33 We have identified 6 major areas where Ireland should focus attention to gain a strategic advantage in the global technology landscape. Through analysing specific metrics and data at regular intervals, an assessment can be made of Ireland s success in each area. A host of international metrics exist, which compare Ireland s performance against competing locations. By identifying metrics which answer the following questions, we can assess the areas in which we are performing well, and those areas which require further work. 1. Are the enablers for growth and development in place? Have the recommendations outlined in this strategy been acted upon? We will review Ireland s performance in terms of the business environment, digital infrastructure, standard of education and availability of skills. 2. Has technology usage across businesses, government and individuals improved? The increased use of technology can lead to benefits for all. 3. What are the social and economic benefits to the implementation of the recommendations outlined in this strategy? What will be the impact on numbers employed, both in the multinational and indigenous sectors? Also of interest is the impact of technology on other non ICT sectors and whether improved ICT services can lead to a more efficient and cost effective public service. The presence of a very well-established ICT base in Ireland means that the Irish authorities have changed and adapted systems that help companies to respond in a flexible and agile manner to ever-changing customer needs. David Gilmore, Vice President, Global Operations Enterprise 31

34 06/How to measure success /continued 32

35 Key metrics for Ireland 2013 We have selected key metrics from independent global rankings which will be monitored to track Ireland s performance. The selected metrics are sourced from the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook and the World Economic Forum s Global Technology Report. In each case we must strive to maintain the top ranking or markedly improve our position. Ireland s rankings in IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook st Flexibility and adaptability of workforce 1 st Investment incentives for foreign investors 1 st Attitudes towards globalisation 2 nd Openness to foreign investors 2 nd Adaptability of companies 3 rd Availability of skilled labour 3 rd Corporate tax rate and real corporate taxes Ireland s rankings in the World Economic Forum Global Technology Report th Quality of Educational System 19 th Households with internet access 20 th Impact of ICT on new organisational models 22 nd Individuals using internet 23 rd Knowledge-intensive jobs 24 th Impact of ICT on new services and products 27 th Business-to-consumer internet usage 33

36 07/Conclusion To sustain the continued growth of the sector we must build on our considerable strengths and seek to maintain and develop our global position. Our customers demand leading edge silicon products and software tools. The broad ecosystem of our people, academia and industry that is available to us in Ireland is key to meeting our customers needs. Kevin Cooney, Managing Director, Xilinx EMEA 34

37 The technology sector is critical to the on-going recovery and growth of the Irish economy. We have a tremendous opportunity to harness the capabilities of the indigenous and multinational technology sectors to provide lasting economic and social value. This strategy identifies the global challenges faced by the sector and outlines how Ireland is addressing these. However, in order to sustain our competitiveness, a number of key recommendations have been made to Government, industry and academia. Six key prospects for strategic investments have been identified that if supported will deliver investment, growth and jobs. In order to develop these high-potential areas for growth, it is necessary that all stakeholders are aligned in a collaborative manner and avoid duplicating efforts. We must be smart and efficient. Ireland must build on its strong history of supporting and growing its technology industry. We will regularly review this strategy with a particular emphasis on the metrics identified in the report. By embracing the recommendations outlined, Ireland s technology sector will continue to excel. We will strengthen our international reputation as a global technology hub. For more information and to stay engaged visit and Supporting businesses with unique ICT requirements defines Trilogy Technologies and we have built our business by partnering with key industry leaders many of whom are located here in Ireland. Edel Creely, Managing Director, Trilogy Technologies 35

38 ICT Ireland 84/86 Lower Baggot Street Dublin 2 T: (0) E: info@ictireland.ie W: Irish Software Association 84/86 Lower Baggot Street Dublin 2 T: (0) E: isa@ibec.ie W: ICT Ireland and the Irish Software Association (ISA) are part of Ibec which represents Irish business; home grown, multinational, big and small, spanning every sector of the economy. Ibec and its sector associations, work with government and policy makers nationally and internationally, to shape business conditions and drive economic growth. We also provide a wide range of professional services direct to members. Visit or for more information. 36

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