Technology Ireland represents the technology sector in Ireland, including the ICT, Digital, and Software industries. It is an active membership organization with over 270 member companies across the country. They advocate for both Irish tech companies and foreign direct investment (FDI) firms to the Government and policymakers.

“Technology has changed the way we live and has kept us connected, productive and efficient over the last few years of crisis. The sector has kept our economy growing and employment strong”, states Technology Ireland.

Since 2013, Ireland's tech sector has grown at an average rate of 12% per year, currently employing over 270,000 people. To prepare for future trends, Technology Ireland has launched a new strategy to guide the industry. (Source: Technology Ireland)

Ireland is the European headquarters for many international tech companies. This status requires Ireland to develop clear, evidence-based rules and best practices for the tech industry. The leadership in this area should come from Ireland itself. As a tech hub, the country faces scrutiny from Europe and the world. The National Digital Strategy needs a strong government response to today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. Technology Ireland, as a member of DIGITALEurope and host to various international tech groups, has an important role in global discussions.

This strategy provides recommendations for the Government and identifies key areas that decision-makers in government, public sector organizations, and industry need to address. It serves as a roadmap for ongoing resilience. It will help maintain Ireland's top position in the technology industry and create many opportunities if supported.

• Purpose: To influence, connect, support, and educate to create a better future for everyone.

• Vision: To make Ireland a leader in technology worldwide.

• Mission: To make important changes in Ireland by representing both international and local technology companies.

Strategic Pillars of Technology Ireland

Pillar 1: Future workforce development

“Just as people need technology, technology needs people. A successful technology sector requires access to a constant and frictionless supply of talent, which is why we have placed talent as our number one pillar for 2022”, says Una Fitzpatrick Director, Technology Ireland.

Ireland's success relies on the talent available to both local and multinational companies, sourced from third-level colleges and overseas talent. Both of these talent streams are facing challenges, which require a strong response to ensure a sustainable talent pipeline.

Initiatives: 

• Talent Attraction

• Market analysis

• Industry engagement

• Educational initiatives

To attract talent, Technology Ireland will engage in visa and work permit reforms through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, while promoting Ireland as an attractive place to live and work through the Better Lives, Better Business campaign. The organization will also lobby for the renewal or leadership of Tech/Life Ireland 2.0. 

In terms of marketplace analysis, Technology Ireland will provide up-to-date information on salary, benefits, and industry incentives, ensuring they stay in touch with key people issues.

To increase industry engagement, Technology Ireland will promote Skillnets to help current tech workers gain new skills that meet member needs. They will also expand the Technology Ireland Education and Skills Working Group and represent the tech sector in the Digital Strategy for Schools consultations. 

Promoting Leaving Certificate in Computer Science, advocating for the apprenticeship model with FIT, and developing the ICT Talent Pipeline will be important. They will also support alternative pathways into the tech sector.

Pillar 2: Promote next-gen tech policy

Ireland’s status as a tech hub has attracted attention from Europe and the wider international community. To keep this position, Ireland’s National Digital Strategy needs a clear plan that involves all parts of the government. This plan should address both current and future challenges in the tech sector.

Initiatives:

• Commission research and advocacy

• Align research with member-focus areas

• Execute advocacy plans for the agenda

• Lobby government for digital leadership

• Prepare for political spectrum shifts

• Deliver strong messaging for policy formation

Commission Technology Ireland will support research in key areas that matter to its members, aligning with their interests. It will implement communications and advocacy plans to effectively influence the member agenda and lobby for strong government digital leadership both nationally and internationally. To adapt to future political shifts, the organization will work with members to anticipate new policy dynamics, delivering strong messaging to guide key policy formation and decisions.

Pillar 3: Lead the sector

Technology Ireland is committed to raising the profile of the sector, building public trust, and reinforcing the value the sector brings to the Irish economy and wider society.

Initiatives:

• Audit of the brand

• Craft a brand amplification plan

• Promote the sector and Technology Ireland

• Engage at the European level

• Integrate with Ibec’s strategy

• Organize networking and community events

Technology Ireland started with a brand audit to evaluate its relevance and impact, identifying areas for improvement. Following this, a brand amplification plan for 2022/23 was created to strengthen its advocacy for members. The organization also engaged in activities to promote the sector and represent its impact.

On a broader scale, there will be a strong focus on European engagement, particularly through DIGITALEurope. Furthermore, Technology Ireland will secure its place within the larger Ibec brand and marketing strategy. 

To increase collaboration and strengthen its network, in-person networking and community-building events will be organized, where members can come together on shared issues, learn from each other, and contribute to improving the profile of both Technology Ireland and the wider sector.

Pillar 4: Support ESG (Environmental, social and governance) leadership

The technological sector has strong ESG organizational strategies in practice and is aware of how important this is to expansion. Technology Ireland will keep promoting the industry's ESG achievements and seek to encourage further cooperation and leadership amongst its members.

Initiatives:

• Expanding sector remit examine

• Explore sector-led climate issues

• Highlight the sector's positive societal impact

• Facilitate sharing of best practices

• Advocate for climate action reporting and regulation coordination

The Technology Ireland Environmental Committee will broaden its focus beyond just hardware, such as the sector's carbon footprint. It will look at how the sector can lead and respond to climate issues. Also, the committee will highlight the positive impact of the technology sector in Ireland and emphasize its contributions to sustainable development.

Moreover, the Committee wants to help companies share their best practices and work together to improve the industry and respond effectively to new climate-related policies. It will support the sector in climate action reporting and setting targets.

Pillar 5: Supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs 

Technology Ireland understands that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to build strong networks with each other. It is dedicated to helping them access the support they need to succeed as tech businesses in Ireland.

Initiatives:

• Tech SMEs in sector policy and Ibec/SFA development

• Represent tech SMEs in policy and development

• Advocate for SME forum supports

• Establish Technology Ireland SME forum for policy and sector needs

• Host Tech Brews for SME networking

Technology Ireland focuses on making the voices of tech SMEs heard in policy development. They will ensure that the specific needs of SMEs are included in wider Ibec policy and shared with the SFA. The organization will advocate for the support that tech SMEs need, as highlighted by the forum. To better support SMEs, Technology Ireland will create an SME forum to develop specific policy requests and identify the support needed for different sub-sectors. Additionally, Technology Ireland will hold Tech Brews, an in-person networking event centered on the SME agenda.

Pillar 6: Excelling for our members 

“Our members’ needs are at the heart of what we do. Our role is to listen to our members’ needs and put them into action to ensure we are the leading voice for the industry”, states Technology Ireland.

Technology Ireland wants all members to know about its services and benefits from Technology Ireland and Ibec. By listening to members' needs, the organization strengthens the sector's local and international influence. A larger, more diverse membership helps Technology Ireland to advocate more effectively for key issues.

Initiatives:

• Engage members to understand their needs

• Stay connected for advocacy

• Provide insights on key topics

• Align needs with the work plan

• Leverage member network

• Encourage new participation through events and referrals

Technology Ireland will engage regularly with members one-on-one to better understand and meet their needs, helping them get the most out of their membership. Connecting with members is essential to proactively anticipate their needs, build advocacy, expand the agenda, and achieve core goals. The organization will also bring valuable insights to inspire and encourage members on key topics. Technology Ireland will ensure that these needs inform its objectives by channelling members’ needs into the work plan. 

Additionally, Technology Ireland will utilize its existing member network as promoters to amplify the association’s presence, making it more representative of the sector. To foster growth, new participation will be encouraged through member events and referrals from current members.

In Conclusion 

“Technology Ireland believes that the priorities, outlined in this strategy, are central to achieving our vision of securing Ireland’s place as a global technology powerhouse and maintaining that place for the years ahead.”

The Irish technology sector is changing due to new rules, economic changes, technologies, and public opinion shifts. Ireland needs to lead in these areas and ensure a strong workforce through education, training, and attracting global talent to stay competitive. A supportive financial, social, and infrastructure environment is important for the sector's growth.

Technology Ireland is key to maintaining Ireland’s strong position in the tech industry. The sector has shown resilience, which is vital for future success. To continue thriving requires careful planning and teamwork. Technology Ireland is dedicated to working with all partners to reach this goal