INNOVATION AND TECH
Shane and Orlaith Byrne from Gael Scoil Teaghlaigh Naofa Ballyphehane at the STEM South West 2019 showcase event
“THERE IS A
CLEAR NEED FOR A COORDINATED STRATEGY TO PROMOTE THE REGION, INCORPORATING THE
partners Cork Institute of Technology (CIT), University College Cork and Institute of Technology Tralee. The event is the brainchild of all of these organisations coming together to put on “an exhilarating and fascinating showcase of STEM in practice in some of the most dynamic and revolutionary companies in Ireland”. “There is a clear need for a coordinated strategy to promote the region, incorporating the STEM industries within it, as a location in which talent has the opportunity to grow and thrive. This will leverage regional strengths while developing skills and competencies that can be utilised on a global basis,” says Mike Flannery, Director of Operations Technology Development at Johnson & Johnson and member of the STEM South West Executive Committee. The need for proactive initiatives such as the STEM South West event is compelling. Demand for STEM professionals and associate professionals in the EU is expected to grow by about 8% between now and 2025, much higher than the average 3% growth forecast for all occupations, according to European Commission figures. In 2019, there was an increase in the take-up of STEM subjects by 5% in the Leaving Cert, to 88,000. While this is increase is encouraging, there is widespread agreement that Ireland needs to build on these numbers. “The success of this event is a testament to the passion and contribution of all those involved – from the organisers to the exhibitors and the attendees on the day. Every one of these people, organisations and companies are playing a very important part in the economic development of not just the South West region, but the country overall, and helping to secure Ireland’s attractiveness and competitiveness as an IT and STEM sector hub into the future,” says Flannery.
Khyra Sukardi, St Columba’s Douglas at the STEM South West 2019 showcase event
STEM INDUSTRIES
WITHIN IT, AS A LOCATION IN WHICH TALENT HAS THE
OPPORTUNITY TO GROW AND THRIVE, LEVERAGING REGIONAL
STRENGTHS WHILE DEVELOPING SKILLS” InBUSINESS | WINTER 2019
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