Sree Nagabhushana
Chief Operating Officer, TechIreland
As a knowledge economy and a hub for tech innovation, Ireland is leading the way into the future of work. At the centre of this revolution is its tech talent.
Within the European Union, Ireland ranks number one on internet adoption (ages 16–55); it scores in the top three for information and communications technology (ICT) graduates; the list goes on.
Tech talent and diversity in Ireland
Home to over 4,500 tech startups and a European hub for over 1,000 multinational companies, Ireland increased its ICT workforce by 40% between 2017 and 2022 — double the EU average of 19%. With a digitally empowered, international and highly skilled workforce, Ireland is on the cusp of the future of work.
Ireland has the second-highest share of female ICT graduates among EU countries, which should lead to better workplace gender balance. Policymakers and employers are also committed to diversity and inclusion. Female-founded startups are on the rise, so women will increasingly be job creators as well as jobseekers.
The economy is also becoming more international and culturally diverse. Since 2015, Ireland has attracted over 100,000 highly skilled professionals from around the world. A more international workforce delivers a better global perspective and greater empathy for companies looking to solve the world’s problems and scale their solutions for new and emerging markets.
With a digitally empowered, international
and highly skilled workforce, Ireland
is on the cusp of the future of work.
AI adoption and automating tasks
Disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation are poised to deliver huge changes across all industries. Placed in the top three among EU countries for digitalisation, Ireland has innate advantages that can make it a leader in AI adoption and automation.
From optimising drug discovery for the life sciences sector to containing occupational and security risks for gig economy workers, Irish businesses are well-placed to ace the AI race. Employers are encouraging dual skilling to harness the power of AI across job functions. This can enrich jobs and potentially provide a better work-life balance by saving time currently spent on mundane work.
The world of work is getting smaller. The word ‘remote’ might become a misnomer in the future as collaborating from any corner of the world is already today’s reality.
