The Transition to a Knowledge Economy
Our education system, English speaking population, access to the European market, as well as a stable macro-economic environment and low tax regime have proved attractive to foreign multi-nationals investing in Ireland over the past 15 to 20 years. However, formidable competitors in the search for continuing investment are emerging in countries that learn from our success, new member countries of the EU, as well as the developing economies of south-eastern Asia.
For the future, the education system must be the key driver of Ireland's competitive advantage. The aim of future policies must be to create a new, competitive advantage for Ireland in human capital through investment in higher education and research.
This position is clearly articulated in Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2007 - 2013.
Within this context Ireland has very ambitious plans for the continuing development of higher education. This ambition is reflected in the key national priorities for the higher education sector, which include achieving graduation levels that would place Ireland within the front rank of OECD and doubling the output of PhDs by 2013 (Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006 -2013).