Nine out of ten business leaders say Ireland will play key role in delivering digital health solutions – Irish Medtech Association

The Irish Medtech Association, the Ibec group that represents the sector, and the Connected Health Skillnet today published a first-of-its-kind digital health roadmap for addressing skill needs.

Simon Coveney, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said: “Ireland has the potential to establish itself as a leader in the digital health sector which is projected to be worth in excess of $1.5 trillion by 2030. Ireland’s ecosystem already boasts the world’s top medtech, biopharma, and technology companies, complimented by dynamic startups alongside other key players such as design and research experts. Delivering industry-led training with Skillnet Ireland will help Ireland’s knowledge economy compete globally by staying ahead of the latest trends in technology and business.”

Jennifer McCormack, Network Manager, Connected Health Skillnet, said: “The digitalisation of healthcare has the potential to fundamentally alter how we diagnose, treat and care for people. Ibec’s cross sectoral campaign ‘Where Digital Health Thrives’ has already identified 200 companies which are delivering digital health solutions here in Ireland, with market segments include, telehealth, data, analytics and cyber security, remote monitoring, connected medtech, mobile health and more. Nearly nine out of 10 (87%) research respondents confirmed that their Irish operation will play a key role in their planned digital health activities. We’re also entering this new era with a strong base as more digital health employees in Ireland previously held a role in the industry with 13.5%, compared to 10% in the US, and 8.3% in the UK. To help our worldclass ecosystem build on this the Connected Health Skillnet will continue to enhance Ireland’s capability by delivering niche training arising from the convergences of the sectors developing and deploying digital health solutions.”

Sinead Keogh, Ibec Head of Sectors, and Director of Medtech and Engineering, said: “The medtech, digital health, and biopharma sectors stand out already as major investors with 700+ companies operating across the country, employing 100,000 people directly, and making a global impact with exports in excess of €120 billion. Ireland is ahead for availability of essential skills in software development, advanced data analytics and information management/cybersecurity. Moreover, our dedication to improving lives has seen the sector here motivated to place a particular emphasis on R&D. The Irish digital health sector is uniquely focused on R&D as a key priority for upskilling, with growing demand in areas such as product design, coding, and artificial intelligence.”

Dave Flynn, Director of Business Networks, Skillnet Ireland, said: “Ireland is recognised internationally as a centre of excellence for life sciences due to the availability of its highly skilled, adaptable, and mobile workforce. Harnessing the progress made possible by increased digitalisation is the surest path for organisations to deliver on their future innovation and talent agenda. Skillnet Ireland welcomes this research report commissioned by Connected Health Skillnet and Irish Medtech Association into the future skills needs of the digital health industry. The report offers important insights from medtech, pharma and digital health professionals in Ireland and further afield, which will support the growth of Ireland’s digital health industry.”