Minister Marian Harkin Marks New Research from Skillnet Ireland Revealing Importance of Upskilling for Irish Businesses

Minister of State for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin TD, attended a Skillnet Ireland regional roadshow event in Co Sligo today. A recent research report from Skillnet Ireland entitled Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, authored by Ipsos B&A, shows a strong demand for upskilling among businesses in Ireland’s North West, with a particular focus on digitalisation and the green economy. 

Speaking at the event, Minister Harkin said: “This important research from Skillnet Ireland offers crucial insights into the changing needs of the North West’s business landscape. It is evident that digital and sustainability skills will be key drivers of future growth. Addressing these challenges requires a strong, collaborative approach. By working in partnership with industry, we can support businesses across the region to have access to the talent, skills, and innovation they need to succeed.”  

The research revealed that almost half (47%) of businesses in Ireland’s North West will require digital upskilling for their workforce in the next two to three years. The findings in the report will inform Skillnet Ireland's strategic commitment to the regional development of businesses facing an increasingly digital future, and a low-carbon and sustainable economy, as well as aiming to bolster foreign direct investment through a focus on talent development. Annually, over 1,100 businesses located in the North West participate in upskilling programmes with over 50 Skillnet Business Networks nationwide, some of which are located in the in the region, including Retail Ireland Skillnet, Rural Enterprise Skillnet Sligo Chamber Skillnet and Tech NorthWest Skillnet. 

Mark Jordan, Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, said: “Our findings for the North West are reflective of national trends. Irish businesses are ambitious and resilient but staying competitive in a rapidly evolving economy requires continuous investment in talent. At Skillnet Ireland, we recognise that upskilling and training are strategic drivers of innovation and growth. We are committed to partnering with industry to support companies to focus on talent development that is future-focused and closely aligned with business needs.”  

The research, part of the national talent development agency’s Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, highlights the upskilling demands of companies in counties Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal to remain competitive in Ireland’s rapidly evolving digital and green economy.  

91% of businesses surveyed in the North West regard their business as strong or very strong, while 59% expect a change in their core skills in the next two to three years. A quarter (26%) of businesses in the North West said they will need sustainability upskilling for their workforce in the coming years. Energy efficiency (79%), innovation and creativity (71%), and sustainable supply chain management (64%) top the list of climate action skills needed by local enterprises, while digital skills such as Microsoft Office proficiency (80%), cloud computing (63%), and Internet of Things (63%) are in particularly high demand.  

Despite the appetite for upskilling, the research also notes that time constraints are a significant barrier for businesses in the region, with over half (53%) of businesses citing time commitments as a major obstacle to employee development.  

The Skillnet Ireland Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, authored by Ipsos B&A, has built on the inaugural Ireland’s Talent Landscape study of last year. The Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report is available to view at https://www.skillnetireland.ie/insights/irelands-talent-landscape-2025.