National Skills Strategy for the Republic of Ireland

Commissioned by the OECD Centre for Skills as part of the OECD Skills Strategy Ireland project, this work supported the Irish Government in reviewing whether its National Skills Strategy remained fit for purpose in the face of digitalisation, changing labour markets and future skills demand. The wider project assessed Ireland's skills system against four priority areas, drawing on international data, cross-government dialogue and comparative country practice to shape policy recommendations.

Work Advance led the analysis and drafting on Priority 3: leveraging skills to drive innovation and strengthen the performance of Irish firms. Our work combined quantitative and qualitative analysis of the skills challenges facing Irish businesses – examining causes, reviewing existing policy, and identifying gaps – with international benchmarking against comparable OECD countries. We contributed to the design and delivery of two stakeholder missions to Ireland, at the Assessment and Recommendations phases, coordinating consultations specifically focused on the innovation and firm performance theme, and worked closely with the OECD Skills Strategy team, other chapter authors, and Irish Government departments to test and refine the emerging recommendations.

We authored the dedicated chapter on leveraging skills for innovation and firm performance. The final report, OECD Skills Strategy Ireland: Assessment and Recommendations, sets out how Ireland can better use its skills base to boost innovation and business performance, alongside recommendations on lifelong learning, skills balance and governance across the wider Irish skills ecosystem.