Therefore, adequate flexibility in its dynamic capability constitutes a significant part of the core competence for a firm's innovative sustainability.
Norway (16,3%),Island (13,7%),Switzerland (11,5%),USA (10,1%)and Denmark (2, 2%).The data confirms a much tied connection between the work tax
Ministry of Education and Research and the Ministry of Communications and Information technology aim to attract to industrial parks with intention to create such parks in every Romanian city that has a university center.
Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, Rapport voor Bel en Vlaanderen. 6. Wickham, Philip A. 2006. Strategic Entrepreneurship, Pearson, Fourth Edition. 7. Zimmerer, Thomas W. and Scarborough, Norman M. Essentials of Entrepreneurship and S Business management.
Baseline and Data analysis for each region: provides a comprehensive analysis of the regions'status today across a range of competitiveness factors
Regional Boundaries NUTS III13 regions were used to facilitate systematic data analysis. Notwithstanding the arbitrary nature of these administrative regional boundaries, this study posits a role for regional level coordination and delivery of certain initiatives.
which already demonstrate a‘clustering'effect where there is a strong base of companies and research activity (e g.
West with Medical Technologies and Software. Other regions have potential to develop niche sectors, such as Creative Industries in the West.
and redesigning websites so that they are searchable by technology/capability and not based on a‘research centre'promotion.
The changing nature of sectors, high data volumes and information intensity, the increased use of graphics and video, interactive websites,
Action The pace of change in the Internet arena means that Ireland in general and the regions outside of the Greater Dublin Area in particular, will be left even further behind competitor countries
Fexco (Tralee) and Quinn (Cavan) 25 Internet data transfer capacities are growing at a fast rate.
The full versions of the RCAS (Volumes I and II) for each region are available through the Forfás website (www. forfas. ie.
For ease of comparison across regions, data tables are provided in the Appendix. Border The Border region,
Key Data and Statistics Border Border State Average Dublin Unemployment (Q1 2009) 11.7%10.2%8. 9%Employment Growth 1998-2008 38%33
and services used in its production latest available data is for 2006 FORFÁS REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS AGENDAS:
N16 and N14/A5 to Northwest Improve intra-regional transport connections Electricity Upgrade local 110kv electricity network (NW in particular) Water/Waste Water Address Water
There is also a strong ICT (software) base and a growing creative sector and activities (including digital media).
Key Data and Statistics-West West State Average Dublin Unemployment (Q4 2009) 11%10.2%8. 9%Employment Growth 1998-2008 37%33
The region is also developing expertise in telecommunications and software development, and has a good base of medical devices companies.
Key Statistics and Data-Midlands Midlands State Average Dublin Unemployment (Q4 2009) 11.7 10.2%8. 9%Employment Growth 1998-2008 45%33
ICT (hardware and services) and Food (including functional foods), and 38 http://www. forfas. ie/publication/search. jsp?
ft=/publications/2009/Title, 4556, en. php 39 CSO Population & Migration Estimates, April 2009 FORFÁS REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS AGENDAS:
Key Data and Statistics Southwest Southwest State Average Dublin Unemployment (Q4 2009) 9. 9%10.2%8. 9%Employment Growth 1998-2008 32
and/or acquire technologies Restructuring HEI research websites so that they are more easily searchable in terms of technologies
'Green'Data centres Biotech FORFÁS REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS AGENDAS: OVERVIEW, FINDINGS & ACTIONS 24 HEIS to consider work placement where students would take up opportunities in a flexible
consider level/approach to development levies in certain locations) Priority Infrastructures Southwest Roads Upgrade N20 Cork-Limerick (Atlantic Corridor) Upgrade N28 to Ringaskiddy Upgrade Bandon
and Sarsfield Road interchanges on Cork Southern Ring road Upgrade N22 Cork-Killarney and Cork NRR Broadband Construct MAN in Mallow Extend Cork MAN Waste Water
the regionally based workshop highlighted potential in the areas of Medical Technologies, taking advantage of the increasing convergence with ICT, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Energy and Environmental products and Services, Software
and other Services, Food and Tourism Key Data and Statistics Midwest Midwest State Average Dublin Unemployment (Q1 2009) 11.4%10.2%8. 9%Employment
the Midwest has higher concentrations of people with qualifications in the areas of Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction, Computing,
Priority Infrastructures Midwest Roads Complete N18 Galway-Limerick Upgrade N20 Limerick-Cork Upgrade N24 Limerick-Waterford Broadband Construct MANS in Shannon
Ennis and Thurles Other Advance Limerick Regeneration Key Actions (Extract) 45 Develop the urban core of Limerick city in a structured and cohesive way,
Key Data and Statistics Southeast Southeast State Average Dublin Unemployment (Q4 2009) 11.4%10.2%8. 9%Employment Growth 1998-2008 40%33
and a formal application by WIT for upgrade to university status is currently with government The region has benefited from a strong international brands through the promotion of Waterford Crystal,
Enniscorthy Bypass) N25 New Ross Bypass N24 Upgrade Limerick-Waterford Waste Water Address Waste Water capacity deficits in Wexford Broadband Extension
Dublin City is the core of the region with a population of 505,739 (administrative area of the City council.
ICT hardware and the food and drinks Educational attainment to third level is higher than all other regions.
Key Data and Statistics-East Dublin Mideast State Average Unemployment (Q1 2009) 8. 9%9. 2%10.2%Employment Growth 1998-2008 22
Its website presents a comprehensive overview of the range of supports available, enables on-line requests for meetings with relevant agencies,
The programme has seen over 300 students submit business plans which are shortlisted to allow 15 finalists to pitch their business plans to the judging panel.
along with the enterprise development agencies has developed a website to provide a‘one-stop'information portal for businesses.
com/index. php FORFÁS REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS AGENDAS: OVERVIEW, FINDINGS & ACTIONS 36 Appendix: Regional Statistics A1.
CSO, Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) Database Direct Figure A2. 2: Unemployment rate 1997-2009(%)Source:
CSO, QNHS Database Direct (all Quarter 4 except 2009 which is Q3) 02468 10 12 14 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2004
CSO National Accounts, Database Direct Food and Drink 15%Pharmaceuticals 6%Medical Technologies 7%ICT Hardware 9%ICT Services Financial services 20
CSO National Accounts, Database Direct Figure A2. 5: GVA per capita and per person at work, 2006 (€) Source:
CSO National Accounts, Database Direct 0 20000 40000 60000 80000 100000 120000 GVA per capita (€) GVA per person at work (€) 0 0
CSO National Accounts, Database Direct Figure A2. 7: Productivity Levels as measured by GVA per worker (State=100%)Source:
CSO National Accounts, Database Direct 1 1. 1 1. 2 1. 3 1. 4 1. 5 1. 6 1. 7 2000
CSO National Accounts, Database Direct Table A2. 2: Entrepreneurial Activity by Region (2004-2008) Region Expected to start a business in the next 3 years(%of Adults) Nascent Entrepreneurs(%of Adults) New Firm Entrepreneurs(%of Adults) Early Stage
Fitzsimons & O'Gorman (2008) Entrepreneurship in Ireland (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report for Ireland) 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 State
Sectoral Opportunities 9the Bio-economy 10agri-Food 10bio-energy 12tourism 13internationally Traded Services (excluding ICT) 15ict Services & Software 16lifesciences 185.
Baseline Data and Analysis: Southeast Region which provides an overview of the region today based on an analysis of quantitative and qualitative indicators across a range of competitiveness factors;
so that companies tend to outsource non-core activities or to offshore them to locations where it makes business sense.
Technology advances have enabled companies to manage multi-site operations across the world. ICT has been, and will continue to be, a key enabler for the remote delivery of services.
Within the business to business (B2b) sector, companies are responding to the disaggregated supply chain model, and providing services which had been managed formerly‘in-house,
Ireland's economic structure is shifting towards a higher proportion of services exports, balanced with a core of high-value added 3 Forfás (2008) Sharing our Future, IBM (2008) Drivers
and successful regions have a dynamic and vibrant city at their core. The RCAS acknowledge the importance of gateways and their role as drivers of regional economic development
Baseline Data and Analysis for the region. Figure 1: Factors of Competitiveness Overview Population and Growth Comprising of counties Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford,
The region benefits from a number of third level education providers including two Institutes of Technology (Iots) at Waterford and Carlow, Tipperary Institute & Carlow College.
The Iots have been proactive in terms of building relationships with industry, encompassing tailored delivery and development of courses, research collaborations and lifelong learning.
Significant developments such as the awarding of an SFI Strategic Research Cluster to WIT (the first of the Iots to establish such a cluster) represent a key step in enhancing research and innovative capacity within the region.
The upgrade of the N9 in particular will enhance interregional connectivity and reduce travel times to Dublin.
and completion of the N11 upgrade as far as Wexford. Key investments in the electricity network are required to satisfy future demands,
and a formal application by WIT for upgrade to university status is currently with government FORFÁS REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS AGENDA:
In the context of this sectoral convergence, core skills become transferrable across sectors, for example, biology, chemistry, engineering, electronics, logistics and software;
and more recently, software development provide a strong platform for future growth in emerging convergent sectors. 9`A workshop for key economic stakeholders was held in Kilkenny on 9th june 2009 10 The sectors listed should not be considered an exhaustive listing,
National Heritage sites can act as significant attractors to the region in which they are sited. The continued development and promotion of such heritage sites in the region,
of which there are many, should be considered by local tourism interests. Internationally Traded Services (excluding ICT) 16 Today,
including such activities as finance, insurance, computer-related activities, R&d, advertising, marketing, accounting and consultancy.
This has generated a raft of new mobile investment activity in global business services (& global business services centres) to manage more complex global corporate structures and activities,
Many 16 ICT Software & Services are considered separately below 17 Forfás (2008) Catching the Wave A Services Strategy for Ireland FORFÁS REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS AGENDA:
reflecting a core competency within the region that provides a basis for further growth and development.
there is recognition that the IFS industry is highly mobile and that Ireland needs to continue to invest to ensure the ongoing development and growth of the sector18.
Future business investment within the region in international and financial services will require advanced, high quality and competitively priced broadband infrastructure and access to data centre capacity.
ICT Services & Software A new environment has emerged for software companies globally in what has been called‘The New Software Economy'19.
This new context sees a number of trends that provide both opportunities and challenges for software companies,
and for small and medium sized companies and start-ups in particular. These trends include: 18 Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (December 2007) The Future Skills and Research Needs of the International Financial services Industry 19 Enterprise Ireland (2009) Best
Connected-Software from Ireland-A strategy for development of the indigenous software industry 2009-2013 FORFÁS REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS AGENDA:
more efficient ways of paying for software Vendors responding to these demands by embracing new delivery and pricing models, such as software as a service (Saas), infrastructure as a service (Iaas), platform as a service (Paas);
and software on demand The emergence of the networked value chain, a distributed business model where different value adding activities are carried out where they can be done most efficiently and cost-effectively The application of software technologies (such as Services Oriented Architecture SOA, Open source,
Web 2. 0 and Mash-ups) are continuing to drive the development of new applications and business models.
These trends are reflected through the phenomenon of‘cloud computing'a now widely used term to describe how scalable and flexible IT capabilities are provided as a service to multiple customers using internet technologies.
The pay-as-you-go subscription pricing of cloud computing can enable companies (with perhaps vast IT systems built up over years) to cut capital expenditure ON IT
while maintaining high quality IT services. ICT Impacts All Sectors: ICT today is more than an enabling technology.
it changes the way services are delivered e g. remote learning or healthcare and diagnostics, simulation (training), virtual reality (architecture and design;
Key Assets The dominant activity in the region within the ICT sector is software development.
However, with the exception of the Sun Life Financial software development centre based in Waterford,
The two Institutes of Technology in the region have developed strong education and research programmes in software development.
undergraduate courses are focused on software development, games development and IT systems management. Its applications software and networks research programme (Gamecore) is one of four Centres of Research
and Enterprise (CORE) within the Institute. Gamecore is focused on industry relevant research under a number of themes, such as networks, games engines and development,
Unum and IT Carlow The software development capabilities at IT Carlow were a key attractor in the recent investment by Unum,
a US insurance company who have established a software development centre in Carlow. The company is developing a strong relationship with the Institute
helping to establish a Software Development unit at the Institute, and will also offer internships within its company in Ireland
and the US for students pursuing the BSC (Hons) in Software Development at the Institute.
SOUTHEAST 18 WIT also delivers strong undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in software development. Based on its excellent track record in telecommunications software and systems research, through the TSSG Group, it is the first of the Iots in Ireland to lead an SFI funded Strategic Research Cluster (FAME Federated
Autonomic Management of End-to-end Communications Services. The TSSG's main area of research is communications software services
and it has developed strong expertise in the areas of distributed systems and service oriented architecture. With 160 active staff and students, the TSSG is a significant pool of specialist expertise within the Southeast
(and is itself a significant employer). The Group promotes a trans-disciplinary approach, combining mainly engineering, computing and business,
and seeks to achieve both academic and commercial excellence. It has formed strategic research partnerships with high profile industry players in Ireland and elsewhere (e g.
Cisco systems, Ericsson, IBM, Telefonica and HP). The TSSG's commercial division has created also new companies
The companies typify the kind of activities associated with the‘new software economy'and include: Nubiq mobile website generation and personalisation;
Akruu on-line billing and accounting services; Hasf6 interactive radio; IMS-Stream Voip solutions. Realising Potential The Institutes of Technology in the region have adopted a focused approach in the area of software development
and are developing strong relationships with industry within the region in terms of undergraduate and postgraduate course development.
The TSSG's deepening expertise in the area of future internet infrastructure and services and its strong commercial focus provides the region with a strong platform for future indigenous and FDI enterprise potential.
Multinational companies in the sector are tending to focus on activities where they have strengths and to outsource non-core activities (such as late stage manufacturing,
The region's traditionally strong engineering and manufacturing base and competency in software development has seen also a growth in a variety of sub-supply
Dataworks (Waterford based Irish software company providing manufacturing control systems and Eirgen (Waterford based Irish pharmaceuticals company specialising in formulation development and clinical trials supply services.
The Southeast has additional capacity for growth in Lifesciences manufacturing with the availability of a utility-intensive strategic site in Belview outside Waterford City
and delivering programmes providing for up-skilling relevant personnel as well as ensuring that mainstream undergraduate programmes evolve to meet the needs of the sector. 22 Forfás (2009) Health Life sciences in Ireland-An Enterprise Outlook FORFÁS REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS AGENDA:
Also, Waterford City Development Board along with the enterprise agencies has developed a website to provide a‘one-stop'information portal for businesses.
Map of Enterprise Agencies from‘waterfordbusinessinfo. ie'website Enhancing Quality of life The Southeast has many positive quality of life attributes,
Again, the Iots in the region will have a key role to play in this regard, alongside FÁS,
much of the major infrastructure is in place to deliver high speed internet to the majority of potential users in the Southeast region.
the N24 road remains of poor standard and requires upgrade. The N24 route has wider significance in facilitating logistics movement from the Northwest
and MNCS in the region-for example, include relevant indigenous companies as demonstration sites on inward investment itineraries
HEIS and research institutes to provide information on their websites from the perspective of the end-user (including industry interests in research)
Consider developing a regional web portal along the lines of the existing Waterford City website at http://www. waterfordbusinessinfo. ie FORFÁS REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS AGENDA:
The current budgetary constraints will limit progress on any additional road infrastructure upgrades. However the following routes should commence at the earliest opportunity:
Enniscorthy Bypass) N25 (New Ross Bypass) N24 (various improvement schemes along N24 route) 30 30 The Southeast Regional Authority have produced a report examining the need for an upgrade of the N24,
Enterprise Ireland Enterprise Ireland's core objective is to drive export growth by creating and growing internationally competitive businesses
%Computer Electronic and Optical Products Machinery and 1%Equipment 9%Transport Equipment 1%Other Manufacturing ICT Services 9%3%Business and Other Services
The IDA also provides serviced sites preplanning approval and buildings (buildings are provided by the private sector on IDA serviced sites.
The IDA is developing a limited number of larger scale strategic sites that are intended to service utility intensive enterprise activity (e g. bio/pharma manufacturing, data intensive services.
Recent major IDA project announcements in the Southeast region Company Sector/Activity Estimated Job Numbers Glaxosmithkline Pharma 50 Merck Carlow Pharma 170
Teva Pharma 165 Waters Technologies Medical Technologies 125 Equifax ICT Services 180 Citi Financial services 250 Unum Software 200 Coca cola Beverages
Chemicals and Chemical Products 22%Rubber and Plastic Products 3%Basic and Fabricated Metal Products 3%Computer, Electronic and Optical Products 9%Machinery and Equipment
and infrastructure (physical access and telecommunications) especially where Industrial Estates and Business Parks are located Initiatives to strengthen the competencies
The Business Park has some Greenfield sites available for future development. Wexford Business and Technology Park Wexford Business and Technology Park is a 27-hectare (67 acre) park located on the N11/N25 connecting Dublin with Rosslare Port.
The Business Park has some Greenfield sites available to suit both manufacturing and international services clients.
000 sq ft currently available) and Greenfield sites to suit both manufacturing and international services sectors.
Belview and Knockhouse Strategic Sites Belview is a key strategic site developed by IDA Ireland to attract a cluster of cutting-edge multinational utility intensive industries to the south-East.
which is being promoted as a key site for large process industry. IDA is working closely with Kilkenny County Council, Waterford City council and the utility providers on the development of the fully serviced site.
The IDA have a further 2 sites totalling 76 acres one site of 18.1 hectares (44 acres) and an adjacent site of 14.2 hectares (32 acres) available for greenfield development in Knockhouse, adjacent to the existing Genzyme facility.
FORFÁS REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS AGENDA: REALISING POTENTIAL: SOUTHEAST 44 Business Sites In private Ownership Southeast Bio-Pharma Park, Carrick-on-Suir Southeast Bio-Pharma Park is a 129 hectare (319 acre) landbank
under private ownership. It is proposed to develop a bio-pharma park at the site. Kilmeaden Fields Kilmeaden Fields is a 26 hectare (64 acre) site with expansion potential to 105 hectares (260 acres) in the ownership of Glanbia.
The site has been zoned for industrial/commercial/office and mixed use. Power, water and gas available on site.
Development Site on Outer Ring road, Waterford Development site of c. 8. 5 hectares (21 acre) located at Ballycashin
Outer Ring road, Waterford in private ownership has been zoned industry and technology and has 650 metres frontage to the outer ring road.
All main services are in the immediate vicinity. FORFÁS REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS AGENDA: REALISING POTENTIAL: SOUTHEAST 45 Notes FORFÁS REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS AGENDA:
REALISING POTENTIAL: SOUTHEAST 46 Notes
SOUTH EAST REGION EMPLOYMENT ACTION PLAN SPOTLIGHT ON THE SOUTH EAST DECEMBER 2011 2 Table of contents Table of contents 2 Executive Summary 3 1. Background
and Context 11 2. The South East Region An Overview 12 3. Assessment of Strengths and Weaknesses 28 4. Sectoral Performance and Potential 31 5. Unemployment
Specifically the development of the Belview Strategic Site is a particular advantage for manufacturing and services businesses.
the extension of the Waterford CITY MAN to service the Belview Strategic Site and Port area, including leveraging existing NRA duct infrastructure to maximise cost effectiveness;
With improved access, broadband and the research and graduate output in the region, Waterford has the potential to develop activities in areas such as Cloud computing, egames, international and financial services, ecommerce and other content businesses.
including institutes of technology (Iots) in Carlow, Tipperary and Waterford and NUI Maynooth has an outreach programme in Kilkenny.
WIT is particularly strong among Iots nationally in terms of enterprise relevant skills development, research and linkages.
A programme of structured engagement between the key research groups in the Iots within the region
Initiatives to date included EI/CEB representatives were available to employees on site every Wednesday during September/October since the announcement of closure.
Active liaison with outplacement consultants (working with employees on site) commenced in Mid september to identify potential start-up projects
which comprises Department of education and Skills, FAS, CEBS, relevant Iots, EI etc, should consider a coordinated response for the region,
Broadband There are some initiatives in relation to next generation access, with 100mbit/s available in Dungarvan and an eircom of next generation access (NGA) fibre optic trial underway in Wexford.
Completion of the N11/M11 upgrade, specifically Gorey to Enniscorthy and New Ross bypass, which the Government has committed to deliver by PPP as part of the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme 2012-16 announced on 10 november 2011.
2011 (Preliminary Results) See data in Appendix 1 SOUTH EAST EMPLOYMENT ACTION PLAN FORFÁS Map 1:
EN 0063509 Ordnance Survey Ireland/Government of Ireland-Data Source: CSO Census of Population 2011 (Preliminary Results.
CSO, Census of Population 2002 & 2006 and estimates based on preliminary data for 2011 The effect of the dispersed urban structure in the region is evident in the quite limited extent of Waterford City's commuter catchment area,
EN 0063509 Ordnance Survey Ireland/Government of Ireland-Data Source: CSO POWCAR data for 2006.
Not to be reproduced without permission from AIRO. The age profile of the South East diverges only slightly from that of the State as a whole.
A positive is that in 2006 (latest available data) the region had a higher proportion of its population aged under 15 (Appendix 1). SOUTH EAST EMPLOYMENT ACTION PLAN FORFÁS Economic Development
Trend data over the period 2006 to 2009 shows that the number of small enterprises
and at a faster rate than the decline nationally (Appendix 1). 7 Based on Forfás analysis of CSO Business Demography data.
The GEM 2008 findings are reflected in EI data with respect to the emergence of high potential start-ups from the region.
FAS SLMRU/CSO QNHS Data Early school leaving: Recent Department of education data on education retention at secondary level indicates that regional performance on educational attainment is likely to 8%6%15%13%25%26%16%12
%16%16%18%24%3%3%0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%South East State
and Machine Operative occupations in the South East(-31 percent since 2008) relative to the State(-22 9 Refer to data tables in Appendix 3 22 percent).
Forfás believes that Ireland should seek to have advanced an broadband infrastructure comparable with our key 10 Advanced broadband services are defined as services with speeds of at least 100 Mbps
however there is a need to extend the existing MAN to meet enterprise needs at the IDA strategic site at Belview and the Port area.
however, a key challenge for the airport is 11 This is based on the 2006 Census data as 2011 data is not yet available by town.
percent went through Dublin Port. 13 Google maps 24 securing business friendly services that are faster
IDA estimates that a large scale manufacturing/data centre development would require approximately 20 MW of electricity capacity.
optimal wind sites in terms of electricity generation potential and proximity to the grid should be prioritised. 17 See Table 8. 1:
Box 1. Summary of Waterford City Infrastructure Potential Waterford-Infrastructure Assessment Potential disadvantage Neutral Potential advantage Electricity x Telecoms backbone x
The waterfordbusinessinfo. ie web portal has been developed by Waterford City council in conjunction with the enterprise development agencies.
IDA Ireland and Waterford Institute of technology have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop this site as Waterford Knowledge Campus. The MOU sets out the development objectives of the campus to host the knowledge economy,
The region has a strong natural asset base in the quality of the natural environment and landscape as well as heritage sites and gardens,
and updated to take account of more recent sectoral data and trends through Forfás ongoing sectoral research and policy development 20 Teagasc (2008) Towards 2030:
such as Keenans and the large dairy and beef processors such as Glanbia and Slaney Meats, who work directly with farmers in improving productivity.
green ICT applications and software; green financial services; green tourism; green agri-food and green transport.
Cross sectoral‘subsectors'include green ICT applications and software; green financial services; green tourism; and green transport.
efficient energy use and management, water and wastewater treatment, waste management, recovery and recycling, green ICT applications and software and environmental consultancy.
and to allow greater access to Irish small and medium sized businesses SOUTH EAST EMPLOYMENT ACTION PLAN FORFÁS reference sites for Ireland.
Multinational companies in the sector are tending to focus on activities where they have strengths and to outsource non-core activities (such as late stage manufacturing,
The region's traditionally strong engineering and manufacturing base and competency in software development has seen also a growth in a variety of sub-supply
Dataworks (Waterford based Irish software company providing manufacturing control systems and Eirgen (Waterford based Irish pharmaceuticals company specialising in formulation development and clinical trials supply services.
Lifesciences Sector Enterprise and Research Activity Realising Regional Potential The South East has additional capacity for growth in Lifesciences manufacturing with the availability of a utility intensive strategic site in Belview
An Enterprise Outlook 34 Regional Planning Guidelines for the South East Region SOUTH EAST EMPLOYMENT ACTION PLAN FORFÁS Family Fun:
National Heritage sites can act as significant attractors to the region in which they are sited. The continued development and promotion of such heritage sites in the region,
of which there are many, should be considered by local tourism interests. Internationally Traded Services (excluding ICT) 35 Today,
including such activities as finance, insurance, computer-related activities, R&d, advertising, marketing, accounting and consultancy.
This has generated a raft of new mobile investment activity in global business services (& global business services centres) to manage more complex global corporate structures and activities,
the 35 ICT Software & Services are considered separately below SOUTH EAST EMPLOYMENT ACTION PLAN FORFÁS availability of skilled people as against a tighter labour market in Dublin,
reflecting a core competency within the region that provides a basis for further growth and development.
A detailed overview of the trends and opportunities in Business Process Outsourcing and Shared Services type activities is contained in Section 6. ICT Services & Software
What has been termed‘The New Software Economy'36 sees a number of trends that provide both opportunities and challenges for software companies,
more efficient ways of paying for software Vendors responding to these demands by embracing new delivery and pricing models, such as software as a service (Saas), infrastructure as a service (Iaas), platform as a service (Paas);
and software on demand The emergence of the networked value chain, a distributed business model where different value adding activities are carried out where they can be done most efficiently
and cost-effectively 36 Enterprise Ireland (2009) Best Connected-Software from Ireland-A strategy for development of the indigenous software industry 2009-2013 42 The application of software technologies (such as
Services Oriented Architecture SOA, Open source, Web 2. 0 and Mash-ups) are continuing to drive the development of new applications
and business models The emergence of‘Cloud computing'is a key enabler whereby computing resources and functions are centralised,
in locations such as data centres and delivered on demand. Cloud computing is impacting the ICT industry in terms of the products
and services offered, how they are delivered and revenue models e g. online subscriptions rather than CD ROM.
The pay-as-you-go, subscription pricing of Cloud computing can enable companies (with perhaps vast IT systems built up over years) to cut capital expenditure ON IT
while maintaining high quality IT services. ICT Impacts All Sectors: ICT today is more than an enabling technology.
It has a pervasive impact across most, if not all sectors. The application of ICTS can'refresh'traditional sectors:
it changes the way services are delivered e g. remote learning or healthcare and diagnostics, simulation (training), virtual reality (architecture and design;
it provides opportunities for new converged products and customised digital content (e g. micro apps, digital gaming);
Key Assets The dominant activity in the South East region within the ICT sector is software development.
However, with the exception of the Sun Life Financial software development centre based in Waterford,
The two Institutes of Technology in the region have developed strong education and research programmes in software development.
undergraduate courses are focused on software development, games development and IT systems management. Its applications software and networks research programme (Gamecore) is focused on industry relevant research under a number of themes, such as networks, games engines and development,
and serious games for strategy, sports and health. WIT also delivers strong undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in software development.
Based on its excellent track record in telecommunications software and systems research, through the TSSG Group, it is the first of the Iots in Ireland to lead an SFI funded Strategic Research Cluster (FAME Federated
Autonomic Management of End-to-end Communications Services. The TSSG's main area of research is communications software services
and it has developed strong expertise in the areas of distributed systems and service oriented architecture. The TSSG's commercial division has created also new companies
which have emanated from TSSG's research activity (spin outs) and has attracted also companies to locate some or all of their activity in Waterford with links to the TSSG (spin-ins).
The companies typify the kind of activities associated with the‘new software economy'and include: Nubiq mobile website generation and personalisation;
Akruu on-line billing and accounting services; Hasf6 interactive radio; IMS-Stream Voip solutions. Realising Potential The Institutes of Technology in the region have adopted a focused approach in the area of software development
and are developing strong relationships with industry within the region in terms of undergraduate and postgraduate course development.
The TSSG's deepening expertise in the area of future internet infrastructure and services and its strong commercial focus provides the region with a strong platform for future indigenous and FDI enterprise potential.
publishing and printing, encompasses firms that trade domestically as well as those trading internationally and employs circa 26,000 people37.
and Infrastructure-such as NGNS, data hosting, etc. The broad sector displays strong growth prospects; driven by changing consumer behaviour/preferences in the sector, the increasing power of mobility & devices,
and the growing dominance of the internet experience reflected in radically altered business models. The games industry in particular is showing very healthy and rapid growth globally.
It is one of the fastest growing segments of the broader entertainment and media landscape,
Employment in‘core'games companies39 amounted to over 2 000 at the end of 2010, representing a fivefold increase on the level estimated in 200440.
Publishing activities (4, 400), Motion picture, video and TV programme (3, 000), Programming & broadcasting (4, 300), Advertising & market research (6, 100), Printing & reproduction
of recorded media (8, 400). 38 Global Entertainment and Media Outlook 2011-2015, PWC, 2011.
Data includes consumer spending on console (incl. handheld), PC games, online games and wireless/mobile games and video games advertising.
It excludes spending on hardware used for playing games. 39‘Core'games companies refers to companies directly involved in the production of games 40 Electronic Games Study, Forfás, 2004 (unpublished) and The Games Sector in Ireland:
which could reach 4, 500 (in‘core'games companies by 2014). Key Regional Assets The digital media sector is diverse in terms of its composition and similar to green/clean tech,
which form a key element in the digital economy, for example Ireland has attracted already major games companies from overseas who have sited their customer support
and the TSSG has a depth of competency in mobile telecommunications networks and applications development.
Realising Potential The recently published Forfás Action Plan for the games sector in Ireland contains recommendations of relevance for realising growth potential in both the games sector specifically and the wider digital economy.
WIT provided 44 places at Level 7 & 8. Bachelor of science (Level 8) in Applied Computing 5 Places Bachelor of Engineering (Level 8) in Electronic Engineering 11
and Investment 9 Places Bachelor of science (Level 7) Information technology 17 Places 42 Refer to Appendix X for data tables 46 Table 5. 1 Education Providers
Department of education and Skills Table 5. 2 Education Providers in the South East participating in the Springboard 2011 Provider Programmetitle NFQLEVEL ECTS Years Iot Carlow Certificate in Computer systems
Level 6 60 1 Iot Carlow Certificate in Mechanical engineering Level 6 60 1 Iot Carlow BSC in Management (Energy) Level 7 60
1 Iot Carlow Hdip in Business (Supply Chain management) Level 8 60 2 Tipperary Institute Certificate in Domestic Sustainable Energy Level 6
6 120 Waterford Iot Higher Certificate in Good Manufacturing Practice and Technology Level 6 120 2 Waterford Iot Bachelor of arts in Financial services Level 7
60 2 Waterford Iot BENG (Honours) in Sustainable Civil engineering Level 8 120 3 Waterford Iot BSC (Honours) Applied Biology with Quality Management Level 8 60 1 Waterford Iot MSC
in Innovative Technology Engineering Level 9 90 2 Waterford Iot MSC in Sustainable Energy Engineering Level 9 90 2 Source:
HEA Fás FAS Training Services will continue to provide a wide variety of courses, including a growing number of evening courses, in 2012 in a wide range of locations across each county, building on the estimated 8, 200 participants in the South East in 2011.
from general engineering, core employment, welding, fabrication, hairdressing to information and communications technologies and has centres of excellence for training related to Motor Mechanics, Agricultural Mechanics and Heavy Goods Vehicle
Data on the level of enrolments are not yet available. Courses are available across a range of NFQ levels
According to the Jobbridge website, on 2 december 2011, there were 189 employers from the South East advertising internships
and engage. 43 See data in Appendix 3 SOUTH EAST EMPLOYMENT ACTION PLAN FORFÁS In addition,
the disproportionate declines in particular occupational groups Crafts/Plant and Machinery Operatives create additional needs given the unfavourable short term labour market outlook for sectors such as construction and traditional manufacturing.
and Contact Centres (front office: includes both inbound and outbound call services including problem resolution, information provision, technical support (through from Tier 1 to Tier 3) marketing, sales lead generation,
Mercer and HP that provide BPO services to The irish market47. 2 Shared Services Shared services are different in that they are centralised activities within a multi-site global corporation.
Ireland has a strong track record to date as an offshore location for centralised customer support and shared services activities with companies such as Facebook, IBM, Dell, Google, HP,
HP manufacturing and software development) and/or are using Ireland as a base to address overseas markets 48 Nelsonhall Global BPO Market Forecast:
and exploiting core competences. What is evident now is that firms are outsourcing a broader range of progressively more complex business functions.
KPO services include activities such as business research services, data analytics, patent research services etc. The increasing complexity of activities being outsourced often goes hand in hand with increased sensitivity of the related data
which may impact on a company's location decisions. 50 The corporate shared services activities are evolving in much the same way requiring a strategic partnership approach by The irish based subsidiary in terms of its relationship with affiliates and quality
or annual fee with a service provider that hosts the call centre telephony equipment in their own data centre. 53 A number of existing operations have transitioned to offer higher order value services for example multilingual
Aspects such as data protection and information security become increasingly important Ireland is positioned well with regard to Data protection legislation and neutrality,
and the Cloud computing Implementation Group is considering Ireland's proposition in the context of emerging opportunities in Cloud which would have direct relevance for this sector as it evolves.
At the same time, the mobile and generally younger workforce employed in SSC/Contact Centres is attracted to the urban area that offers a range of potential employers as well as a dynamic and vibrant quality of life.
and this is likely to increase with the advent of Cloud, Saas (software as a service) and Iaas (infrastructure as a service).
Increasingly, contact centres are utilising a wider range of tools including selfservice calls, emails, sms and social media.
Many of these activities can be delivered from anywhere in the world to anywhere in the world-enabled by telecoms and internet technologies and presents opportunity for SMES and regionally based firms However
The forthcoming report of the Cloud Implementation Group and proposed actions/considerations will have some relevance for BPO, particularly in relation to infrastructures and data protection.
in particular the changing business models of customers (driven by new technologies, the Cloud, data processing capacity, social media etc. and mega-trends such as ageing, globalisation of financial services, carbon reduction,
debt de-leveraging etc.).The Prospecting team's work will focus on emerging export opportunities which the companies could hope to start generating revenue from in the next 2-5 years.
EI/CEB representatives were available to employees on site every Wednesday and CEBS are continuing discussions with a number of participants.
EI actively liaised with the outplacement consultants that were working with employees on site from Mid-september to identify potential start-up projects.
SOUTH EAST EMPLOYMENT ACTION PLAN FORFÁS 7. Higher education and Research Waterford Institute of technology (WIT) Waterford Institute of technology is particularly strong among Iots in terms of enterprise relevance and linkages.
The research centres in Telecommunications Software systems Group and Separation Science would be regarded particularly well. While much of WIT's enterprise interactions involve companies from outside the South East region it does have a number of engagements with firms in the region,
as set out in Table 1. WIT accounted for 17 percent of total Masters/Phd enrolments in the Iot sector in 2010.
which is lower than the share of the IOT sector overall at 48 percent in 2010.
WIT has total staff of 906, with a core staff of 766,60 Exchequer funded research staff and 80 other specialist staff.
The Telecommunications Software systems Group (TSSG) in WIT has been identified as a world class research facility, with the capability to significantly underpin the Priority Area of Future Networks and Communication.
Telecommunications Software systems Group (TSSG) Based at the WIT, the centre for Telecommunications Software and Systems Group (TSSG) is a major source of research strength for the region and nationally.
Its research focus is on the dramatic changes occurring in the telecommunications software industry, and on the wider converged communications industry, particularly in managing networks and in developing innovative new services for those networks.
Established in 1997 the centre has a long history of working with industry and the centre is renowned nationally for its phenomenal success in engaging in
A number of industry partners including Cisco systems (Galway), LM Ericsson Ltd. Dublin), IBM (Dublin), Telefonica I+D (Spain) and Hewlett packard (US) are involved also.
In a recent international peer review the TSSG FAME SRC was considered to be one of the largest and strongest groupings of academic researchers in network management in the world.
In addition, TSSG are engaged also actively in steering the Future Internet agenda in Europe. With ongoing investment by SFI and EI in the TSSG, its leadership role in European projects, its cluster Of high Potential Start-up and its strategic partners with international leaders in the internet and model networks
and services the TSSG is positioned well to support economic development in the South East. Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre The Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre has also been identified as a major RTD centre that will underpin the Priority Area of Therapeutics as part of the current Research Prioritisation Exercise.
and software HPSUS who wish to locate in the South East. Today there are over 18 companies employing 114 people.
The TSSG has created 11 spinouts in the mobile services/internet application space. Feedhenry now employs over 30 people,
In a similar manner, the Department of Computing Maths and Physics has put together A level 8 course in Business Systems analysis specifically for Sunlife.
Business & Humanities (Business Communications, Management, Humanities, Sport, Media & Marketing) Science & Computing (Computing, Networking, Science & Health) Engineering (Built Environment, Electronic, Mechanical and Aerospace
Industrial design and product innovation (Designcore), interactive applications software and networks (Gamecore), geo-environmental technologies (Geocore) and software development (the IT has collaborated with Unum in relation to the development of a software
and the US for students pursuing the four year BSC (Hons) in Software Development at IT Carlow.
Despite its relatively small size Carlow Iot ranks 4th in terms of Innovation Voucher projects completed (101 between 2008 and 2011.
It offers a broad range of full and part-time courses in the areas of Business education, Computing & Creative Multimedia, Environmental & Natural resource Management.
as it is essential that the core research strengths built up to date through the PRTLI, by SFI and EI in WIT are nurtured
Energy and Telecommunications; Education and Health care; SOUTH EAST EMPLOYMENT ACTION PLAN FORFÁS Agriculture, Marine and Rural Development;
WIT) with the objective to provide a virtual (web based)‘ one-stop-shop'to provide information
Specifically the development of the Belview Strategic Site is a particular advantage for manufacturing and services businesses.
the extension of the Waterford CITY MAN to service the Belview Strategic Site and Port area, including leveraging existing NRA duct infrastructure to maximise cost effectiveness;
With improved access, broadband and the research and graduate output in the region, Waterford has the potential to develop activities in areas such as Cloud computing, egames, financial services, ecommerce and other content businesses.
Leveraging regional HEI strengths A programme of structured engagement between the key research groups among the Iots within the region
Initiatives to date included EI/CEB representatives were available to employees on site every Wednesday during September/October since the announcement of closure.
Active liaison with outplacement consultants (working with employees on site) commenced on 15 september to identify potential start-up projects
which comprises Department of education and Skills, FAS, CEBS, relevant Iots, EI etc, should consider a coordinated response for the region,
Broadband There are some initiatives in relation to next generation access, with 100mbit/s available in Dungarvan and an eircom of next generation access (NGA) fibre optic trial underway in Wexford.
Completion of the N11/M11 upgrade, specifically Gorey to Enniscorthy and New Ross bypass. The Government has committed to this project as part of the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme 2012-16.
Latest available regional data is for 2006 86 metric for a number of reasons, particularly because‘transfer pricing'by multinational corporations can exaggerate the value of activity taking place at a given location72.
100 sat the leaving certificate by 2010.73 The table below shows the available data on the South East counties compared to the national average. 73 The Department of education produce a final adjusted rate of 87. 7percent to take account of students that emigrated
FAS SLMRU/CSO QNHS Data 92 Figure A 15 Employment Permits issued in the South East 2004-2010 The number of new employment permits issued in recent times
nurses & midwives 1 2 16 0 0 19 Other health associate professionals 1 0 1 0 0 2 Computer analyst
/programmers (I t.)0 0 0 0 0 0 Software engineers (I t.)0 0 1 0 0 1 Other engineers & technologists 0
Provision of new library and civic centre in Borris Provision of new fire stations in Carlow Town and Hacketstown New civil defence headquarters in Bagenalstown Facilitation of wireless broadband in Bagenalstown
Cahir and Tipperary Town A portal website www. southtipperary. ie promoting industry and living in South Tipperary Postgraduate Research Centre established in TI Clonmel campus Ballingarrane Science
Wexford Wexford Opera house Broadband MAN in Wexford Town M11 Gorey Bypass N30 Enniscorthy-Clonroche Holmestown Landfill & Civic Amenity Site New Ross
Civic Amenity Site Enniscorthy Civic Amenity Site New Ross Sewerage Scheme Rosslare Harbour Sewerage Scheme Gorey Regional Water supply Pipeline Scheme
SOUTH EAST EMPLOYMENT ACTION PLAN FORFÁS Appendix 5 Contact Centre Recent Jobs Advertised jobs. ie web search 5th october 2011 The following provides insights into
Flawless Sligo Adecco Galway Digital River Shannon Customer Perceptions Clifden Cook Medical Limerick Paypal Dublin ABC Global networks Dublin 100 Hertz
email and chat on a 24/7/365 basis (e g. making or verifying reservations Technical support Services Round the clock technical support and problem resolution.
Business Processes Transaction processing Data entry/conversion or indexing services to various verticals including e g.
Contract Research Outsourcing Managing clinical trial processes, often across multi-sites and multi-jurisdictions. Clinical data management Supply Chain/Procurement services Managing supply chain activities including Order to Cash,
Procure to Pay, inventory management, logistics, forecasting and planning services, vendor management, etc Document Management Services Compliance with records management filing, retrieval, destruction etc.
or elements of IT services including e g. data hosting, Software as a service, Infrastructure as a service, Platform as a service etc. 102 Appendix 7 Business Process Outsourcing An Evolving Sector From Business Process Outsourcing to Knowledge Process Outsourcing Characteristics BPO Professional Services/KPO Business
A call centre operative requires strong communication skills involving active listening and an ability to empathise as well as basic telephone etiquette.
Computer literacy, language skills, ability to work in a team and leadership skills are all relevant.
Domain expertise (specific to a vertical sector), risk management, global partnership management, advanced technology and computing skills, analytics etc are increasingly relevant as the sector evolves toward knowledge intensive services.
HR and recruitment services Irish UNUM Carlow Services centre Foreign State street Kilkenny Fund administration and services centre Foreign Mycroft Waterford Financial services/Software.
Newly established Irish base Foreign Citi Hedge fund Services Waterford Hedge fund administration services Foreign Sunlife Information Services Waterford Software development, business administration
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