IBM has unveiled its decision to generate 800 employment opportunities in Ireland over the next triennium as part of their initiative to facilitate the creation of novel software products, backed by their investment in AI technology. The news has been received positively, with Taoiseach Simon Harris hailing the move as reinforcing Ireland’s status as an appealing hub for tech corporations.
The New York- based tech behemoth confirmed on Thursday its intention to bolster its operations in Ireland, leading to the creation of multiple roles within the fields of research, development, sales, and consulting across its two principal campuses situated in Dublin and Cork, as well as its Red Hat subsidiary in Waterford.
IBM’s investment, backed by IDA Ireland, will stimulate the creation of advanced software products utilising AI technologies such as large language models to augment security and automation. James Kavanaugh, IBM’s senior vice president and chief finance officer, stated that the readily available talent pool in Ireland, which boasts the highest number of STEM graduates per capita in the EU, was a primary consideration for IBM.
Kavanaugh underscored the importance of talent acquisition, development, and retention as IBM continues assisting organisations in shaping their businesses with hybrid cloud and AI. He noted that this announcement reflects their robust relationship with IDA Ireland and the Irish Government and is also indicative of the high standard of talent in Ireland, one of the many reasons IBM continues considering Ireland as a strategic location.
Mr Harris commended IBM’s commitment to reinforcing Ireland as a strategic location and its potential to significantly boost the Irish economy through job production and advancement of specialist skills and knowledge. He commented that the expansion reflects Ireland’s sustained allure as an ideal location for global companies desiring to advance their digitalisation, research and, innovation expertise.
Michael Lohan, the chief executive of IDA Ireland, labelled the announcement as extraordinary, stating that it would offer a genuine uplift for the Irish tech sector.
IBM, a long-standing fixture in the Republic for over six decades, is steadily increasing its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities both domestically and abroad in the past few years. In November of last year, the company unveiled a new educational initiative designed to enhance AI skills over a span of three years, with the ambitious goal of reaching two million worldwide learners by 2026’s conclusion. The Irish segment of this programme will initially be spearheaded by Dublin City University and Fast Track into Information Technology, an organisation that also collaborates with Microsoft in the field of high-tech skill training.
In a separate event on Wednesday, an Oireachtas committee was informed that the Republic could position itself as a principal player in global AI advancement, but warned of a potential great upheaval unless a broad workforce reskilling takes place. This was discussed during the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment meeting, where representatives from EY, Accenture, and PwC consulting and accounting firms highlighted the impending significance of the technology and the requisite for education.
Accenture Ireland’s managing director, Hilary O’Meara, stated, “It’s crucial that the rising generation be equipped with these skills and possess the essential aptitudes for future careers. Similarly, vital areas of focus will include upskilling the existing workforce. These technological advancements have the potential to bring about significant disruption.” The governing body of the Republic aims for a substantial 75% of local enterprises to incorporate AI by 2030.