Enterprise Ireland is the Irish government agency responsible for the development and promotion of the indigenous business sector. Our mission is to promote Irish Exports and Export led jobs. Looking to get in touch? See the Enterprise Ireland Contact Us page.
The Best Connected blog aims to connect the software and service community, Enterprise Ireland clients, Multinational companies with each other and with the Public Sector and 3rd Level education. It aims to leverage Ireland’s strengths, connections and recognized talent in these areas.
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or enter your email address in the box on the right of the page. - Irish software companies offering world-class solutions are listed under the Company Profiles section (top and right hand side).
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Enterprise Ireland’s Software Strategy
Best Connected is also a key part of the implementation of Enterprise Ireland’s software strategy. A summary version of the Enterprise Ireland software stategy is available here (pdf). The full version of the software strategy is here (pdf).
In the New Software Economy, the development both of individual companies and of clusters depends on the establishment and management of a series of complex, national and international networks between different players in the software value chain. The Irish industry is already extremely well connected, at home and abroad. Enterprise Ireland will work with its clients to further develop effective networks that deliver real business benefits, so that the Irish software industry can truly claim the title of ‘Best Connected’, with strong strategic links to channel development and marketing partners, to technology and platform providers, to multinational companies, and to research performers.
Increased focus on clusters
Enterprise Ireland will work with its client companies to further develop clusters around market segments where Ireland has proven strengths, such as telecommunications, finance and e-learning. We will also work to develop clusters in a number of other segments that offer significant growth potential, such as travel, aviation, security, environmental services, and the public sector (including healthcare).
Skills
In addition to strong technical skills drawn from the educational and research institutions, companies in the New Software Economy need world-class managerial, marketing, sales and customer relationship management skills. Enterprise Ireland will continue to support the development and embedding of key business skills through best-in-class programmes such as Leadership for Growth.
Routes to market
To operate effectively in the global market, Irish companies must develop comprehensive strategies for market penetration, and this will involve a combination of direct, indirect and electronic channels to market. Companies will need to identify suitable strategic partners, to negotiate effective partnership arrangements and to manage third-party relationships. Enterprise Ireland, through its network of overseas offices and contacts, will help client companies to find partners with the necessary skills, local knowledge and client base.
Funding
The availability of appropriate funding is vital to the continued success of the software industry. Enterprise Ireland is currently working with the Irish banks, the European Investment Bank, venture capital companies and private/angel investors to ensure that companies continue to have access to appropriate sources of funds.
Enterprise Ireland has developed a programme of action to deliver on the vision in collaboration with industry, academia and Government. The programme includes short term actions for early impact as well as medium term initiatives to bring about sustainable change and growth in the sector.
