In recent years digital technologies have led to rapid economic and social change. For Ireland’s workforce to adapt, grow, and prosper in the digital age it is vital that they are equipped with the right skills to navigate this digital transition. This paper sets out the opportunities and challenges for Ireland with regards to ensuring its workforce have the skills to navigate this digital transition. This paper examines the importance of digital skills to innovation, productivity, and competitiveness in Ireland. Amongst other things, this paper examines the ambition set out in Ireland’s National Digital Strategy: Harnessing Digital – The Digital Ireland Framework.The paper also examines the prospect of significant disruption for Ireland’s workforce arising from digitalisation, auotomation, and AI and the importance of upskilling and reskilling to ensure digital and social inclusion. The paper also examines the role of SMEs in Ireland’s economy and the particular challenges relating to digital skills amongst Ireland’s SME sector. The paper overall demonstrates the importance of upskilling and reskilling across the workforce to ensure Ireland’s future prosperity and inclusiveness.

This paper was prepared based on discussions which took place with members of the IIEA Digital Policy Group throughout 2024 and subsequent engagement and collaboration between the IIEA and officials at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science.