Acting as one for Cork

The European Tech cluster, it@Cork, will host a forum next Tuesday on the best ways to bridge the deficit in the Budget next Tuesday, with one simple message – act as one. 

The event, entitled 'Eliminating the Budget Deficit and Skills Gap Now, How the IT Industry can spearhead Ireland’s Recovery,' will feature speakers such as Bob Savage, Vice-President of EMC, Paul Sweetman, Director of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC), and Sean O’Sullivan of Avego and Dragon’s Den fame.

“We’re looking to show that the IT industry is more than simply filling jobs and making money,” said Denis J Collins, IBM Global Executive and Chairman of it@Cork.

“We want to show we are strategic, passionate and visionary to solutions for the problems the country faces. We want to show that Cork and Ireland could become the English speaking digital hub of the world, not just Europe.”

Denis spoke of the advent of cloud computing as a major factor in allowing companies to create leadership positions in the field. He was especially keen to stress that with every job created, between four and six spillover jobs are also created

Open borders

“There are three mindframes that we have to examine,” said Denis.

“Short-term we need to open up our borders more, but in a regulated, controlled fashion. We desperately need English speaking, highly skilled people to fill the jobs that are immediately required. In the medium term we have to accelerate more conversion courses in institutions like CIT and UCC. There are people in the professions of Project Managers, Architects, etc. whom we could really use if they converted their professions.”

However, Denis was at pains to emphasise the need for curriculums in primary and secondary schools to change to focus more on computing and coding – a trait that can be installed early on in a child’s development.

“It’s not just about Facebook and LinkedIn. We have companies who are looking to adopt schools so they can instil the skill sets that are crucial at such a young age. It’s a lot like learning English. If you start young, it becomes natural.”

Mr Collins insisted that a lot of goodwill remains internationally for Ireland, goodwill that has to be tapped in various different guises.

“It’s about bringing together industry, academia and government to get the results that we need to move forward. It’s all about acting as one.”

The event in the Council Chamber at County Hall takes place at 5.30pm on Tuesday 26 June and is free to attend but registration is required. Places can be booked through http://www.itcork.ie or email sarah@itcork.ie.