Robert Troy
Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Digital technologies have changed how we live and work, yet there exists even greater opportunities for enterprises that embrace digital transformation.
From invigorating business processes and improving productivity, to reimagining products and enhancing customer experience, digital transformation has the potential to further revolutionise Irish businesses to reach new markets as well as to enhance their sustainability and resilience.
Increased uptake of digital transformation
As Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I want to support the digital transformation of Irish businesses through strategic policies, targeted financial and advisory supports and investments in infrastructure. I see the adoption of digital and other new technologies by Irish businesses in the coming years as the most important driver of enterprise productivity and competitive advantage.
Given the pace of change in digital technologies and recognising what was competitive yesterday may not be good enough tomorrow, my Department has developed a suite of strategies to ensure that we are well positioned to be responsive to change and embrace the opportunities presented by digital technologies.
I see the adoption of digital and other new technologies by Irish businesses in the coming years as the most important driver of enterprise productivity and competitive advantage.
Fourth industrial revolution
The digitalisation of manufacturing has been heralded as the fourth industrial revolution, the Industry 4.0 Strategy sets out our vision for Ireland as being at the forefront of this revolution. Under the AI Strategy – Here for Good we will stimulate firms to adopt and build capabilities in Industry 4.0 technologies.
Artificial intelligence is expected to play a major role in shaping global competitiveness and productivity over the coming decades. Under the AI Strategy – Here for Good, Government will drive AI adoption across the Irish enterprise base.
Remote working policies, along with enabling technology, have strong potential to increase productivity, as well as providing access to a broader pool of talent.
Government, through our enterprise agencies, is supporting our enterprise sector to embrace the opportunities afforded by digitalisation with a suite of grant and advisory supports to assist businesses take the first step. In addition, part of Ireland’s Recovery and Resilience Fund will be used to establish several European Digital Innovation Hubs to help SMEs on their digitalisation journey. The Recovery and Resilience Fund will also be used to establish a multi annual digital transition fund, which will support businesses in their digital transformation.
The 2020s have been designated as Europe’s digital decade and over the next 10 years with strong support from Government, I am confident that Irish businesses will harness the potential of digital technologies and reap the benefits of a sustainable and more prosperous digital future.