“European Tech Cluster Chairman Wows Silicon Valley with “Work, Learn, Live” Speech
Cork, 24 January 2013: Speaking at the ITLG event in City Hall on 22nd January 2013 Denis Collins remarked ”The IT Industry could be a minimum five times more that it is now by Horizon 2020. It can also contribute an additional two to one or three to one spin off jobs on top of this. As Chairman of over 300 members, which represents €300 billion globally and over €1 billion in Ireland, Collins also remarked “the IT industry is positioned as a leading industry but we haven’t stretched to its full potential”.
In his speech Collins commented “We are moving in the right direction, and I’m excited about the innovative “Act As One” partnership and strategy our Global / European Cluster has developed between industry, government, public sector and academia. Rapid expansion and further success is now predicated on four key areas”:
- Sustainable, Systematic Access to Talent: IT Visa’s, bundled approach on recruitment which should include, tax/ living/educational incentives. It should also include continued IT conversion courses for the indigenous population. Continuous focus and partnership between the IT industry, primary, secondary and third level education. Our rapidly expanding Adopt-a-School programme is one significant example. If we do this right, we will deploy a balanced growth model across filling current open positions, enabling the indigenous population, preparing our children for the future and showcasing a positive lifestyle, Work, Learn, Live
- Infrastructure: We must deploy FDI standard turnkey solutions for data centres and buildings that also enable our SME and start- up population. It also should include broadband that addresses the last mile issue, R&D Innovation Hub for areas like Health and Life Sciences. Effective flight routes to the U.S, Europe and other key global commercial destinations.
- Leadership: Our innovative “Act As One” strategy and partnership execution model between industry, government, public sector and academia continues to make a difference. We must “act as one” collaborate and network effectively. We must continue to leverage the diaspora and network with global influencers to drive strong collaborative Leadership. If we all collaborate and make ourselves accountable for success in this model, the sky is the limit.
- Branding: We have become a relevant global IT cluster. It is imperative that we cultivate and foster this brand and horizontally communicate this message globally.
I’m very positive and excited about the future the time is now and we will make this a reality. We must “Act As One” and drive the Work, Learn, Live model.
-Ends-
For further information please contact:
Denis Collins IBM & Chairman of the Board it@cork, European Tech Cluster
Email: Chairman@itcork.ie,
T: @denisjco
Sarah Walsh it@cork, European Tech Cluster, Tel: 353 21 4868160
Notes to the Editor:
it@cork, European Tech Cluster is a leading not-for-profit independent business organisation with over 300 member companies producing over €300 billion revenue globally and over €1 billion in Ireland. It is a unique blend of indigenous and international IT professionals, executives, multinationals, government leaders, public sector, academia, entrepreneurs, investors and the legal and financial professional services community.
