8.3 | A Smart Metropolitan Area and Strengths in Attracting FDI
The Metropolitan Area is an important information and communications technology (ICT) hub forFDI. Acting as a cornerstone for the burgeoning IDAArtificial Intelligence (AI) Island strategy, companies such as Analog Devices, Jaguar Landrover, Dell/EMC, General Motors (GM) and J&J are drawing on the talented pool of graduates and researchers being developed by UL, LIT, SFI research centres, incubators, Enterprise Ireland/IDA Technology Centres and community enterprise centres. Limerick-Shannon
The HEIs that serve the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area are responsive to the upskilling needs of industry. This collaboration has led to the development of an innovative portfolio of Skillnet-funded higher diplomas in software engineering, data analytics, middleware, embedded systems and security. UL is home to the world’s first industry driven national postgraduate MSc in Artificial Intelligence. Limerick City and County Council was the first local authority to establish an innovation company, Innovate Limerick, which acts as the delivery mechanism for key Limerick 2030 projects. Innovate Limerick has attracted Troy International Film Studios to Limerick City and developed the Innovation Hub and ENGINE, which provides office solutions for start-up and accelerating businesses. This innovative process encourages a positive business ecosystemwhich is essential to achieve the vision of the MASP. The Digital District is the backbone on which the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area can implement and develop novel technologies, build a sustainable knowledge base and engage citizens in digital transformation, while minimising the risk of digital inequalities. The foundation constituents of the Digital District will include the Digital R&D Hub at Park Point, and the Digital Quarter in Georgian Limerick. The Digital District will support compact sustainable growth in Limerick, transforming a vacant development into an 8,625m² landmark R&D/ educational/business incubation space with future plans to develop and transform Limerick City’s Georgian Neighbourhood.
Ireland’s First Digital City
Limerick’sDigital Strategywill enable thedevelopment of a smart, sustainable, city and Metropolitan Area where digital technologies improve quality of life, empower communities and enable economic growth. The Strategy supports development of Smart Homes and Smart Buildings and sets the foundation for Smart Limerick, where data, automation and artificial intelligence will fuel the knowledge and digital economies and lead to better services and improved quality of life for all. The Limerick Digital District comprises connected infrastructure that traverses the city, equipping key actors with the capabilities to regenerate and accelerate Limerick’s transition to becoming Ireland’s first digital city.
Southern Regional Assembly | RSES
292
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker