Enterprise Ireland’s 2025-2029 Strategy: Strengthening Irish Business through European Cooperation

A New Vision for Irish Enterprises in a Global Context

Enterprise Ireland’s 2025-2029 strategy, "Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally," lays out an ambitious roadmap to drive Irish business growth, sustainability, and international competitiveness. Recognizing the importance of European cooperation, the strategy emphasizes cross-border collaboration, innovation, and market expansion as key drivers for Irish enterprises.

With an expanding European market and increasing global competition, Enterprise Ireland aims to support Irish businesses in leveraging EU funding, strengthening innovation partnerships, and scaling internationally. The strategy aligns closely with European Union initiatives, particularly in research, sustainability, and digital transformation, to help Irish companies compete on a global stage.

Four Strategic Pillars for Growth

The strategy focuses on four core pillars, each designed to strengthen Ireland’s position within the European and global economy.

1. Start: Fostering European-Connected Startups

Enterprise Ireland aims to support 1,000 new start-ups between 2025 and 2029, ensuring they have access to funding, mentorship, and international opportunities.

A key focus will be enhancing Irish start-ups’ participation in European research and innovation programs, including Horizon Europe. By fostering stronger ties with EU-based research institutions and technology hubs, Enterprise Ireland will help Irish start-ups access funding, expertise, and new markets.

2. Compete: Strengthening Competitiveness Through European Collaboration

To help Irish businesses thrive, Enterprise Ireland is prioritizing productivity, innovation, and sustainability. Key targets include:
✅ 35% reduction in CO₂ emissions from Enterprise Ireland-supported companies by 2030.
✅ €2.2 billion investment in research and innovation (R&D) by 2029.
✅ 1,700 new Irish-owned exporters, leveraging European market opportunities.

Innovation and sustainability are at the core of the EU’s economic strategy, and Enterprise Ireland’s approach aligns with the European Green Deal and Horizon Europe. These partnerships will help Irish businesses develop cutting-edge, sustainable solutions while enhancing their global competitiveness.

3. Scale: Creating World-Leading Irish Companies

Enterprise Ireland seeks to develop a greater number of internationally successful, Irish-owned companies of scale.

The goal is to:
✅ Increase employment in Enterprise Ireland-supported companies to 275,000 by 2029.
✅ Boost exports to €50 billion by 2029.
✅ Support 150 large Irish exporting companies (250+ employees) to expand into new international markets.

By utilizing EU trade agreements, supply chain networks, and funding mechanisms, Irish businesses can scale faster, diversify their export base, and build resilience against economic uncertainties.

4. Connect: Enhancing European Partnerships and Innovation Networks

Enterprise Ireland recognizes that stronger European connections are critical for fostering innovation and market expansion. The strategy includes:
✅ €55 billion spent in the Irish economy by Enterprise Ireland-supported companies.
✅ Deeper integration with EU research institutions, innovation hubs, and digital transformation initiatives.

By expanding Irish businesses’ access to European innovation ecosystems, research collaborations, and trade networks, Enterprise Ireland ensures that Irish companies remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

European Cooperation as a Key Growth Driver

A major theme of the 2025-2029 strategy is the role of European partnerships in helping Irish businesses scale, innovate, and compete globally. Enterprise Ireland will leverage EU-funded programs, cross-border trade agreements, and industry collaborations to create new growth opportunities.

Key European Dimensions of the Strategy

• Horizon Europe & Research Collaboration – Enterprise Ireland will work with European research institutions, universities, and innovation clusters to drive technological advancements.
• Trade and Investment Expansion – Strengthening ties with EU partners will help Irish companies diversify export markets, reducing dependency on the UK and US.
• Sustainability & Green Transition – Irish companies will leverage EU climate policies and funding to transition toward a low-carbon economy.
• Digital Transformation & AI – Irish companies will engage with European AI and digital innovation hubs, benefiting from expertise in cybersecurity, automation, and next-generation technologies.

Aligning with European Policies and Priorities

Enterprise Ireland’s strategy aligns closely with key European Union policies, ensuring that Irish businesses benefit from EU funding, regulatory frameworks, and innovation initiatives.

1. Green & Digital Transition

The strategy’s focus on reducing emissions, increasing sustainability, and accelerating digital adoption aligns with:

• The European Green Deal, which aims to make Europe the first carbon-neutral continent by 2050.
• The EU Digital Strategy, promoting AI, cybersecurity, and advanced digital infrastructure.

2. EU Single Market & Trade Expansion

Irish businesses will leverage the EU Single Market to expand exports, strengthen supply chains, and establish cross-border collaborations with key partners across Europe.

3. Horizon Europe & Innovation Networks

By deepening engagement with EU research programs, Enterprise Ireland aims to increase R&D investment to €2.2 billion, ensuring that Irish companies remain at the forefront of global innovation trends.

A Stronger, More Connected Ireland in Europe

Enterprise Ireland’s 2025-2029 strategy sets out an ambitious vision for the future of Irish businesses. By prioritizing European collaboration, the strategy enhances Ireland’s ability to compete, scale, and innovate on a global stage.

Through deeper integration with EU research networks, sustainability initiatives, and digital transformation programs, Irish companies will thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

Moreover, this new strategy opens exciting opportunities to strengthen Franco-Irish cooperation, particularly in key areas such as innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, and research partnerships. As Ireland and France continue to foster economic and technological exchanges, this strategy provides a strong framework to deepen collaboration and create new synergies.

As Ireland strengthens its European partnerships, Enterprise Ireland’s mission remains clear: to accelerate sustainable Irish business, lead in global markets, and build a stronger, more innovative, and resilient economy for the future.

Read the full article : https://bit.ly/3XrZPRE