Jennifer McCormack
Network Manager, Connected Health Skillnet
A first-of-its-kind roadmap for digital health skills development was launched to ensure talent pipeline is equipped to innovate for new age in healthtech.
Ireland’s ecosystem boasts the world’s top medtech, biopharma and technology companies. Delivering industry-led training — through the Connected Health Skillnet, supported by the Irish Medtech Association and BioPharmaChem Ireland, with Skillnet Ireland — will help Ireland compete globally by staying ahead of the latest trends in technology and business.
Benefits of digital health and technology
The digitalisation of healthcare has the potential to fundamentally alter how we diagnose, treat and care for people. Digital health is essential for a modern health system as it empowers patients with personalised health solutions; supports healthcare professionals and informs clinical decision-making; improves health systems by reducing costs while improving outcomes.
Ireland engaging in digital health initiatives
Ibec’s cross-sectoral campaign, led by the Irish Medtech Association with BioPharmaChem Ireland and Technology Ireland, ‘Where Digital Health Thrives’ has already identified 200 companies delivering digital health solutions in Ireland. Market segments include cybersecurity, remote monitoring, connected medtech, mobile health and more.
Nearly 9 out of 10 (87%) research respondents confirmed that their Irish operations will play a key role in their planned digital health activities — part of extensive research supported by HealthXL. We’re also entering this new era with a strong base as more digital health employees in Ireland previously held a role in the industry with 13.5%, compared to 10% in the US and 8.3% in the UK.
Nearly 9 out of 10 (87%) research respondents confirmed that their Irish operations will play a key role in their planned digital health activities.
To help our world-class ecosystem build on this, the Connected Health Skillnet will deliver niche training arising from the convergences of the sectors developing and deploying digital health solutions.
The medtech, digital health and biopharma sectors stand out as major investors with 700+ companies operating across the country — employing 100,000 people directly and making a global impact with exports of over €120 billion.
Recommendations for digital health sector
The Irish digital health sector is uniquely focused on R&D as a key priority for upskilling, with growing demand in areas such as product design, coding and artificial intelligence. To compete and advance as digital health leaders, we must:
- Double down on essential R&D competencies
- Prepare for external markets
- Further digital health domain knowledge and establish a common language
- Define a career path for STEM graduates
- Deliver on-demand upskilling
- Enable partnerships in the short term between key sectors
- Establish a community of best practices across industry and other stakeholders
With the right business supports and policies, we will help drive innovation and investment in digital health.