InBus_Win09_1-55:InBusiness 1-61 11/12/2009 16:18 Page 35
Digital Economy | FEATURE
says. “It could be that more companies are at a press conference in July of this year. But differentiator for Ireland. Ireland’s ability to
carving out new niche markets online, and what exactly does this mean for the industry? develop, attract and retain the best talent will be
reaching more specialised client bases that are Well the government has earmarked a number essential in all domains, but especially in digital
not limited geographically. But it’s a positive of industries, including biomedicals, content and technology. Worryingly, over the
step as it clearly shows that there are still people pharmaceuticals and the digital industry that past 18 months Ireland has seen a ‘brain drain’
investing in new sites and therefore, in new have been paramount to Ireland’s development as many important academics and
businesses,” he adds. so far, and aims to invest capital into retaining researchers have moved abroad to better
the large multinationals that operate in this funded institutions.
GET SMART country and encouraging R&D in all sectors. At the front line of the smart economy are
While survival is a priority during a recession, it While the National Development Plan is great researchers such as Professor Barry Smyth,
is also vital that companies do not become in theory, in practice one has to question if it will Digital Chair of Computer Science and Director
complacent about growth. The digital media be able to pull Ireland out of the recession. of CLARITY, a collaborative research institute at
industry is the way of the future, and has Kevin Ryan of Satellite Broadband Ireland UCD. Professor Smyth says that “the smart
become an economic sector with tremendous believes that the smart economy can only economy concept has huge potential. World
enterprise and creative potential for Ireland over succeed as a collaborative effort. “I think the class research and technology has been
the past few years. Its role in the Celtic Tiger has government and private industry have pivotal developed in Ireland, and we have highly skilled
not gone unnoticed, and the Government is roles to play,” he says. “Both sides need to researchers and experienced technologists
once again hoping that the industry can be the collaborate and extract the key ingredients that studying and working in this country. But what
driving force behind regenerating the economy. are needed to grow, sustain and future proof we need to do now is accelerate the technology
It has been highlighted as a ‘high priority’ Ireland as a country that investors and multi- out of the labs and into the marketplace which
industry in the government’s €8.2bn National nationals look to as being highly innovative on can only be done with capital and research.”
Development Plan that aims to transform the world stage. There are a number of ways in Retaining highly educated researchers and re-
Ireland into a ‘smart economy’. According to achieving this with a good first step being made skilling others in the industry will be a major
Taoiseach Brian Cowen, the smart economy is recently with the Government’s appointment of challenge for the government during 2010,
all about turning ideas into capital. “A smart a Chief Information Officer [CIO] that will which undoubtedly will not be helped by the
economy combines the successful elements of report directly to the cabinet,” Ryan adds. possible reintroduction of third level fees.
the enterprise economy and the innovation or Similarly, a smart economy that produces “Training and re-skilling is essential. An
‘ideas’ economy while promoting a high-quality markets and sells products and services online education system that uses digital technology,
environment, improving energy security and will need skilled, inventive people. In a world values innovation and original thought and not
promoting social cohesion,” the Taoiseach said where computers and computer networks are just memory, is the essential recipe for a smart
the same, capable people will be the key economy,” says Dr Stephen Brennan.
CHALLENGING TIME
As 2010 fast approaches there is plenty for
digital industry professionals and the
government alike to mull over. According to
Brian Cowen the Ireland of the future will have
a smart, high-valued and export-led economy.
To achieve this, the Taoiseach recommends that
we all “think smart, work smart, and be smart.”
While there is huge potential in this country to
create a hotbed for digital media, first we need
to focus on attracting and retaining big players
in the industry. Dr Brennan of The Digital Hub
“THE NUMBERS EMPLOYED
Development Agency feels the challenge will lie
BY THE DIGITAL CONTENT
in nurturing Irish talent. “Not withstanding the
AND TECHNOLOGY SECTOR
much increased jobless numbers, Ireland still
has a critical shortage of skilled and experienced
IN IRELAND IS GROWING
people for the digital industry,” he says. “The
DESPITE THE RECESSION.”
Irish industry needs to do much more to
promote itself as a career choice to students,
– Dr. Stephen Brennan and create connections with academic
institutions in order to influence the
Clockwise: Joan Mulvihill, CEO, IIA; Prof Barry
Smith, Director, Clarity; Marc Van Wesemael,
development of relevant courses, particularly at
GM, EURID. third level.”
InBusiness Winter 09 35
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100