1 July 2010
More third and fourth level science, technology, education and mathematics graduates are essential in Ireland than ever before, according to the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN). We need these graduates today and well into the future in order to:
- Deal with the increasingly complex demands of the global economy, including the proliferation of technologies and growth of internationally traded services and manufacturing services
- Attract high value-added investment and highly skilled job creation
- Develop the research base which provides opportunities for the development of new products, services and ideas
- Increase the number of better quality and better paid jobs in the economy
- Meet the continuing strong demand for specific technical and business skills – including for engineers with strong skills and experience
Science, engineering and technology offer attractive career paths for students, and the National Skills Strategy has highlighted how all occupations are becoming more knowledge-based.
The Industrial Development Agency’s announcements in 2008/2009 also show a distinct shift in the nature of foreign direct investment towards research, development and innovation activities, global business services, and expanding investments by existing multinationals in higher value-added activities.
For example:
- IBM announced the establishment of its Global Centre of Excellence for Water Management in Dublin, through the development of green data-centre technologies
- AON, a provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage chose Dublin as its location for a global innovation centre with the creation of 100 jobs
- Facebook established its international HQ in Dublin
- Alcon, a leading eye care company, announced a €21 million expansion in Cork, with 186 new jobs
- Microsoft expanded its Irish operations with a €360 million investment in a strategic data centre
- PayPal announced a €15 million investment in a new European Centre for Operational Excellence in Dublin
- Hewlett Packard announced an €18m expansion of its Global Service Desk Operation, with 500 to 1,000 new jobs in Leixlip, Co Kildare
- Big Fish Games Inc established its European HQ in Cork with100 jobs
Learn more
From medical devices to renewable energy, read about the sectors where STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills will be needed.
