Global trends point to the need for hybrid/blended skills sets where technology innovates across all industries. Future growth will be through innovations in the existing sectoral strengths in the metropolitan area, the emergence of the marine economy, global trends in the internet of things, artificial intelligence, convergence, 3D printing, autonomous things, cyber security, space science, for example. Manufacturing sectors will need to embrace disruptive technologies. The role of vibrant indigenous enterprise and local enterprise growth (though Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices), in addition to IDA Ireland are critical to the future successful economic uplift of all communities and locations in the metropolitan area, assisting enterprise growth where the platform and environment is prepared and supportive of local entrepreneurship. The following objectives for learning and innovation, enterprise infrastructure and digital infrastructure support strong enterprise growth in the Cork Metropolitan Area (see also objectives in Ch 4 – A Strong Economy - Innovative and Smart which apply to the metropolitan area).
The sectoral strengths of the Cork Metropolitan Area also extend to energy and maritime, agriculture food and beverage, agri-tech, culture and arts, leisure and tourism, research and education. Established business networks and clustering, higher education, skills pool and innovation, international airport (over 50 international destinations), Tier 1 Port, vibrant city centre, quality of life potential with access to metropolitan and wider Cork amenities are some of the key attributes leading to this success. Further investment to improve efficient access, develop enterprise property assets, achieve strong placemaking and establish a platform for international and indigenous growth is essential to build upon this strong position for national economic growth. Example locations of recent take ups include One Albert Quay, Lavitts Quay, City Gate Park Mahon, Barrack Square Ballincollig, Cork Airport Business Park, Eastgate and Apple located in Hollyhill. The Cork Metropolitan Area is a location for high-tech industry, securing its place in the global digital arena through high-speed digital connections such as the Hibernia Express subsea cable line located at Cork Internet Exchange and the Ireland- France Subsea Cable. Collaboration is driving innovation and success in the Cork Metropolitan Area’s digital and green future transition, such as Tyndall, Nimbus, MaREI, IT@Cork, Energy Cork, Cork Innovates, Cork Smart Gateway, and CEIA.
Cork MASP Policy Objective 10
b. To seek investment to support the sustainable delivery of strategic plans and initiatives of IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices, South West Regional Skills Forums and the South West Regional Enterprise Plan in strengthening enterprise assets fostering competitive locations and conditions for enterprise growth in the Cork Metropolitan Area.
Enterprise Support, Education and Access to Talent a. To seek investment into infrastructure and facilities that sustainably drives the role of Higher Education Institutes (such as UCC, CIT transitioning to the Munster Technological University with IT Tralee), other institutions, research and innovation centres and enterprise agency research and incubator facilities as catalysts for economic growth in the Cork Metropolitan Area and wider region.
Southern Regional Assembly | RSES
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