Research reveals key importance of upskilling
Daniel O’Neill
A new study has shed some light on the importance of upskilling for businesses.
The Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report surveyed 500 businesses across Ireland and found two-thirds of businesses recognise upskilling as a strategically important priority in fostering innovation and enabling competitiveness. It also investigated the challenges facing businesses in adapting to change in the workplace due to digital, artificial intelligence (AI) and green transitions.
The report from Skillnet also investigated the challenges of sourcing and retaining talent in the workplace. It was found that 42% of businesses struggle to find employees with the desired skillsets, and 80% of businesses believe their staff will need digital upskilling in the future for their positions.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD launched the findings. “This new research from Skillnet Ireland provides invaluable insights into the skills and workforce challenges facing Irish businesses at this pivotal time. Ireland’s highly skilled workforce has long been the foundation of our economic success, and this study underscores the critical importance of continued investment in talent development to sustain our global competitiveness.”
The findings of the report indicated a growing pattern that businesses are recognising the importance of AI, levels of AI being used in different sectors and an awareness of the skills needed to integrate AI into the business. 66% of respondents said they believe AI will have the potential to grow their business within the next two years.
Mark Jordan, CEO, Skillnet Ireland, said: “The research confirms what we at Skillnet Ireland see every day, that businesses understand that investment in talent is key to maintaining a competitive edge. Through our industry-led approach, and in collaboration with government, Skillnet Ireland is committed to playing a central role in delivering upskilling solutions that empower businesses to adapt and thrive.”
The survey found 90% of business leaders surveyed consider their economic strength strong or very strong and 76% of businesses say their employees have had some form of upskilling in the last year. It was also revealed businesses in general are looking for more specialised digital skillsets, some of the most desired fields being blockchain, business intelligence, cloud computing and data analytics.
It was also found businesses are looking to be more sustainable, with a third of all businesses saying over half of their workforce would require climate action or sustainability supports over the coming years.