European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu Participates in Skillnet Ireland EU Skills Event at MTU Cork

European Commission Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, joined Skillnet Ireland and the Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet at the Rubicon Centre, Munster Technological University (MTU), on Friday, July 3. 

The meeting brought together European, national and regional stakeholders to discuss the critical role of skills development, artificial intelligence (AI) upskilling, innovation, partnerships and enterprise competitiveness in Ireland and across Europe. Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu also had the opportunity to take a tour of the Rubicon Centre and to hear the latest on the ENTIRE European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) project, which is based at Munster Technological University. The EDIH is comprised of an ambitious community of tech experts that work together to help and assist Europe’s businesses and organisations on their path towards digitalisation. 

Speaking at the event, Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, said: “I am delighted to be in Ireland to discuss how European businesses can make the most of new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence. AI offers significant opportunities for productivity, innovation and competitiveness, but we must not lose sight of the human-centred approach. Companies of all sizes need access to the right skills to use these technologies effectively and responsibly. Supporting AI can definitely help transform Europe’s economy. But its success will depend on whether it strengthens the biggest resource we have: people.” 

Skillnet Ireland is the national workforce development agency, responsible for advancing the competitiveness, productivity and innovation of businesses through enterprise-led workforce development. In partnership with 57 industry bodies, Skillnet Ireland delivers upskilling and reskilling programmes in collaboration with education institutions and training providers, to companies of all sizes, across all regions of Ireland. 

The industry gathering recognised the significant contribution of Skillnet Ireland in connecting Irish enterprises with European skills initiatives. Skillnet Ireland actively supports the implementation of EU skills policy through a range of European programmes and partnerships, including the EU Pact for Skills, the Digital Europe Programme and Erasmus+ projects focused on advanced digital and green skills development. 

Mark Jordan, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland, said: “We were pleased to welcome Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu to this important discussion on AI skills and workforce development. As Ireland begins its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, there is a significant opportunity to help shape Europe’s skills agenda and support greater competitiveness across Ireland and the EU. Through our Skillnet Business Networks and National Initiatives, Skillnet Ireland is working with businesses to develop the practical AI capabilities needed to drive innovation, productivity and sustainable growth, ensuring Irish enterprises are well positioned to succeed in an increasingly digital economy.” 

Mr Jordan delivered a presentation outlining Skillnet Ireland’s role in supporting enterprise competitiveness and delivering on EU skills priorities. Annette Coburn, Network Manager of Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet, provided insights into the network's work with Ireland's technology sector. 

A roundtable discussion explored enabling regional competitiveness through enterprise-led AI upskilling, building capacity through partnerships and innovation, and how the Skillnet Ireland ecosystem supports start-ups, SMEs and large companies. Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu also had the opportunity to meet with local business leaders during the visit. 

Commenting on the significance of the event, Brian Holohan, Network Promoter, Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet, said: “AI is no longer a future consideration for businesses, it is an immediate priority. Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet is supporting companies across Ireland’s South West region to navigate the AI transition with confidence, providing access to the expertise and training they need to adopt these technologies effectively. This impactful event provided an important opportunity to bring together policymakers, industry leaders and businesses to share insights, discuss challenges and explore how we can accelerate AI adoption in a way that delivers real value for organisations, workers and the wider economy.” 

For further information about Skillnet Ireland’s work in connecting Irish enterprises with European skills supports, visit: www.skillnetireland.ie/about-us/eu-projects.