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Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Almost half of businesses in the North West require upskilling of their workforce
A recent research report from Skillnet Ireland entitled Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, authored by Ipsos B&A, shows a strong demand for upskilling among businesses in Ireland's North West, with a particular focus on digitalisation and the green economy. Minister of State for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin TD, attended a Skillnet Ireland regional roadshow event at the AIM Centre in Sligo. Speaking at the event, Minister Harkin said: 'This important research from Skillnet Ireland offers crucial insights into the changing needs of the North West's business landscape. 'It is evident that digital and sustainability skills will be key drivers of future growth. Addressing these challenges requires a strong, collaborative approach. 'By working in partnership with industry, we can support businesses across the region to have access to the talent, skills, and innovation they need to succeed.' The findings in the report will inform Skillnet Ireland's strategic commitment to the regional development of businesses facing an increasingly digital future, and a low-carbon and sustainable economy, as well as aiming to bolster foreign direct investment through a focus on talent development. Annually, over 1,100 businesses located in the North West participate in upskilling programmes with over 50 Skillnet Business Networks nationwide, some of which are located in the in the region, including Retail Ireland Skillnet, Rural Enterprise Skillnet Sligo Chamber Skillnet and Tech NorthWest Skillnet. Mark Jordan, Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, said: 'Our findings for the North West are reflective of national trends. Irish businesses are ambitious and resilient but staying competitive in a rapidly evolving economy requires continuous investment in talent. At Skillnet Ireland, we recognise that upskilling and training are strategic drivers of innovation and growth. 'We are committed to partnering with industry to support companies to focus on talent development that is future-focused and closely aligned with business needs.' The research, part of the national talent development agency's Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, highlights the upskilling demands of companies in counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal to remain competitive in Ireland's rapidly evolving digital and green economy. 91% of businesses surveyed in the North West regard their business as strong or very strong, while 59% expect a change in their core skills in the next two to three years. A quarter (26%) of businesses in the North West said they will need sustainability upskilling for their workforce in the coming years. Energy efficiency (79%), innovation and creativity (71%), and sustainable supply chain management (64%) top the list of climate action skills needed by local enterprises, while digital skills such as Microsoft Office proficiency (80%), cloud computing (63%), and Internet of Things (63%) are in particularly high demand. Despite the appetite for upskilling, the research also notes that time constraints are a significant barrier for businesses in the region, with over half (53%) of businesses citing time commitments as a major obstacle to employee development. The Skillnet Ireland Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, authored by Ipsos B&A, has built on the inaugural Ireland's Talent Landscape study of last year. The Ireland's Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report is available to view at
RTÉ News
12-05-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Minister to invite US scholars to flee US system and come to Ireland
Ireland has a unique opportunity to capitalise on attacks by the Trump administration on US universities by becoming "a welcoming host for the best and the brightest" fleeing the US university system, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless has told an Irish Universities Association (IUA) seminar. Mr Lawless said he intended to inform the Government of his formal plans in this regard this week. It is understood that he will bring details to Cabinet tomorrow, including how key individuals from the US and elsewhere can be attracted here. Last month, US President Donald Trump threatened to strip Harvard University of its tax-exempt status after the elite university refused to accept far-reaching policy changes ordered by the White House. The US Department of Education announced in March that it had opened an investigation into 60 colleges and universities for alleged "anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination". The minister said that Ireland could benefit by offering a stable, open environment where world-class researchers can thrive, just as the US had done after World War II. He said that with US faculties now having pledged funding revoked and institutes facing shutdown this had "undoubtedly" changed how people view the US when it comes to research. "It has become a cold place for free thinkers and talented researchers," the minister said. "We all know how that will grind advanced research to a halt. And that is nothing in the face of the human suffering of targeted student arrests and deportations". He said reports of library culls "bring to mind book burnings of old". Addressing the IUA seminar, Mr Lawless said Europe recognised that investment in innovation and cultivation of the best minds is key to economic advantage. The minister cited Éamon de Valera as Taoiseach's success in persuading Erwin Shrodinger to come to Ireland during WWII, and how the Austrian theoretical physicist went on to help establish the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies (DIAS). The scientist, who was fleeing the Nazis, settled in Ireland and lived and worked here for more than a decade after receiving an invitation to come from Mr de Valera.
