ICT Ireland, the IBEC group that represents the high-tech sector in Ireland, jointly with Intellect, the trade body for the UK’s technology industry, recently said that technology holds the key to innovation, economic recovery and job creation.

On the occasion of European e-Skills week 2012 Paul Sweetman, Director of ICT Ireland, and Carrie Hartnell, Associate Director of Intellect issued a joint statement: "Despite the economic crisis, there is a huge demand for technology skills in both Ireland and the UK. As the technology industry is increasingly sourcing talent wherever it is available on a world-wide basis, e-skills are crucial for the competitiveness and the attractiveness of both Ireland and the UK. The European E-skills week campaign is critical to increasing the awareness of the opportunities and jobs generated through technology."

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During e-Skills Week, the joint statement highlighted the huge demand for e-Skills across Europe. The number of ICT practitioners in Europe was 4.7 million in 2007 and is forecast to reach 5.26 million in 2015. The ICT workforce has continued to grow across Europe at a rate of 3%. Within five years, 90% of all jobs will require tech skills across all sectors (IDC).

As the EU moves to a knowledge-based society, jobs requiring a high-level of education will rise from 25 to 31%. Europe is suffering from a growing professional ICT shortage with a shortfall of as many as 700,000 professionals by 2015.

The joint statement concluded: "ICT Ireland and Intellect stated that they will work closely to identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration in the area of e-skills. With our two economies benefiting greatly from a flow of people, it is important that we work together to ensure that the skills base of tomorrow are aware of all the new and emerging opportunities throughout Ireland and the UK. The capability of our industry and Europe’s digital economy is dependent on this future technology talent."

(PM)