Ireland's Smart economy
Ireland is a small country that has re-invented itself over the last forty years through the combined force of sheer determination and growing, vibrant ambition. Its young, highly educated workforce has seized the opportunity provided by Foreign Direct Investment and has put its shoulder to the wheel to transform Ireland into a dynamic, knowledge based economy for the 21st century.Ireland's smart economy is founded on an exemplary research, innovation and commercialisation ecosystem. The objective is to make Ireland the leading innovation hub in Europe.
A second aspect of Ireland's Smart Economy is a strong focus on 'Green Technology', where addressing environmental challenges and creating high-tech employment opportunities go hand in hand.
According to Enterprise Ireland, there are 250 small- to medium-sized Irish companies engaged in trade with China, while 107 have offices there. This is in addition to the larger multi-national and Irish-listed companies with a presence in China.
It's a number that looks set to increase. "We are definitely seeing a rise in day-to-day interest from Irish companies interested in doing business in China," says Alan Buckley, Enterprise Ireland's China director. The State agency now has four offices in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Guangzhou).
A second aspect of Ireland's Smart Economy is a strong focus on 'Green Technology', where addressing environmental challenges and creating high-tech employment opportunities go hand in hand.
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In 2006, IDA Ireland established its office in Shanghai to unlock a gateway for Chinese companies to expand and develop their businesses in Europe. Almost 1,000 companies - including some of the world's best known brands - have chosen Ireland as the hub of their European networks because of the winning combination Ireland offers them. Ireland is using its growing status as a knowledge-based economy to open new doors and avenues for investors. The sharp increase in RD&I projects is proof of our success and confidence in this area and its excellent fit with the Irish business and academic landscape.
According to Enterprise Ireland, there are 250 small- to medium-sized Irish companies engaged in trade with China, while 107 have offices there. This is in addition to the larger multi-national and Irish-listed companies with a presence in China.
It's a number that looks set to increase. "We are definitely seeing a rise in day-to-day interest from Irish companies interested in doing business in China," says Alan Buckley, Enterprise Ireland's China director. The State agency now has four offices in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Guangzhou).
Useful Links
| IDA (Industrial Development Agency) Ireland www.idaireland.com |
| Enterprise Ireland http://www.enterprise-ireland.com |
| Irish Food Board www.bordbia.ie |
| Department of the Taoiseach resources: Building Ireland's Smart Economy www.taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/Building_Ireland%27s_Smart_Economy |