Enterprise Ireland aims to make exporting Irish companies the primary driver of the Irish economy while focusing on strengthening skills, talent, funding ambition, and embracing sustainability. The strategy also aims to support 1,700 new Irish-owned exporters and 1,000 new start-ups.
Supporting Irish Enterprises in Global Markets
Enterprise Ireland is the Irish Government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. The agency works with over 4,000 Irish-owned businesses, helping them start, compete, innovate, and scale while creating jobs across Ireland. The long-term ambition is for exporting Irish companies to play a central role in the country’s economy by driving international growth and employment nationwide.
Strategic Objectives: Start, Compete, Scale, Connect
The new strategy, aligned with the Programme for Government and the White Paper on Enterprise, sets four key strategic objectives for the Irish enterprise base:
- Start – Enhance the pipeline of innovative and scalable start-ups by supporting them with long-term, sustainable growth ambitions. The target is to support 1,000 new start-ups from 2025 to 2029.
- Compete – Strengthen companies’ productivity, sustainability, innovation, digitalisation, operational efficiency, and leadership. Targets include a 35% CO2 reduction by 2030, a 3% annual increase in productivity, 1,700 additional Irish-owned exporters, and €2.2 billion spent on RD&I.
- Scale – Increase the number of world-leading Irish companies, aiming for 275,000 employees in Enterprise Ireland-supported companies by 2029, €50 billion in export sales, and 150 large Irish exporting firms with over 250 employees.
- Connect – Foster an internationally competitive enterprise and innovation ecosystem, encouraging start-ups, business growth, and investment. Targets include €55 billion spent in the domestic economy and 10,000 enterprise engagements with Irish businesses.
Key Focus Areas for Implementation
To achieve these goals, Enterprise Ireland will leverage six core areas:
- Funding Ambition – Providing necessary financial support for growth.
- Igniting Innovation – Encouraging research, development, and new technology.
- Embracing Sustainability – Supporting green initiatives and environmental responsibility.
- Strengthening Skills and Talent – Enhancing workforce capabilities.
- Maximising Global Opportunity – Expanding into new international markets.
- Driving Performance – Enhancing efficiency and competitiveness in businesses.
Government Support for Irish Businesses
Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment, welcomed the strategy, emphasizing the need to create a supportive environment for Irish businesses to scale and grow. He highlighted the importance of helping Irish exporters expand globally, diversify markets, and enhance productivity.
Alan Dillon TD, Minister of State for Small Business, Retail, and Circular Economy, emphasized the importance of increasing productivity and competitiveness among SMEs. He reaffirmed Enterprise Ireland’s commitment to collaborating with Local Enterprise Offices to ensure comprehensive business support.
Niamh Smyth TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Transformation, praised the strategy’s focus on competitiveness, start-up support, and scaling businesses globally. She acknowledged the goal of increasing Irish export sales to €50 billion by 2029 and advancing digitalisation and AI adoption.
Enterprise Ireland’s Vision for Sustainable Growth
Kevin Sherry, Interim CEO of Enterprise Ireland, reiterated the agency’s commitment to helping Irish businesses thrive in international markets. With 234,454 employees in supported companies and over €34 billion in exports, the organisation aims to drive sustainable Irish business growth.
Michael Carey, Chairman of Enterprise Ireland, expressed confidence in Irish businesses’ ability to adapt and succeed, despite global economic challenges. He reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to working closely with companies to achieve €50 billion in exports and 275,000 jobs by 2029.
