Irish smart solutions for a better world

Amid an era of remarkable technological advancements, the Emerald Isle is igniting big ideas, transforming industries, and shaping the future of global innovation. Ireland has established itself as a beacon of progress, positioning itself as a global leader in technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. 

Bolstered by an open economy, supportive government policies, and a skilled workforce, the country offers a vibrant environment for research, development, and entrepreneurial growth. The Irish government plays a crucial role in fostering innovation through policy and funding. Programs like Enterprise Ireland, the Industrial Development Authority (IDA), and Impact 2030, the national R&D strategy, provide financial support and resources to encourage startups, scale-ups, and established companies to invest in innovation. 

“Investing in Ireland is investing in Europe,” says Oliver O’Connor, CEO of the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), placing emphasis on the crucial role that the pro-business and pro-innovation government plays in bolstering growth in all industries. 

Aligning research and industry 

In recent years, Ireland’s innovation ecosystem has expanded significantly, attracting multinational companies, fostering local startups, and leading groundbreaking research projects that contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Companies such as Google, Facebook, and Novartis, have set up significant operations in Ireland, contributing to the country’s status as a European
tech hub.

These companies bring capital, knowledge, and employment opportunities, as well as
initiatives that drive local R&D activities. The clustering of these global giants, particularly in the “Silicon Docks” area of Dublin, has created a dynamic network effect, spurring the growth of tech-focused small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and innovative startups that thrive alongside these industry leaders. As part of the government’s forward-looking policies, the Impact 2030 strategy fosters strong connections between academia, enterprise, and public policy, driving progress in technology and digital transformation.

A global leader in medical innovation

As a powerhouse of research, innovation, and manufacturing, Ireland is recognized as one of the world’s top five MedTech hubs. More importantly, the country already hosts the largest global pharmaceutical firms, alongside a burgeoning group of local companies dedicated to cutting-edge healthcare solutions. 

“It’s remarkable that 14 of the top 15 global biopharma companies have operations in Ireland,” remarks Caitriona Walsh, Country President of Novartis Ireland. This achievement is even more striking given Ireland’s population of just over five million people. Global pharmaceutical giants have long integrated Ireland into their international supply chains. 

Swiss-based Novartis, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, has consistently invested in Ireland for the past seven decades. “Our global corporate center in Dublin’s Elm Park supports Novartis operations worldwide, and we employ around 1,000 people in Ireland,” notes Walsh, highlighting the company’s commitment to the Irish healthcare sector. The Dublin corporate center provides a range of services, positioned strategically between Novartis’ headquarters in Switzerland and its major US operations. 

Ireland’s strong healthcare sector is supported by a network of leading research institutions and universities. Organizations such as Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Irish MedTech Association offer funding and facilitate research partnerships, allowing companies to push the boundaries of healthcare. “Novartis collaborates with Irish universities and research institutes on advancements in areas like oncology, immunology, and gene therapy,” Walsh adds, citing partnerships with University College Dublin, University of Galway, and Trinity College Dublin. 

Ireland’s emphasis on innovation and product development has been instrumental in the healthcare sector’s success. Research and development (R&D) fuels the healthcare industry, leading to advancements that improve patient care, enhance efficiency, and lower costs. 

Novartis Ireland’s R&D efforts span diverse areas, from drug and medical device development to cutting-edge cancer therapies and advanced diagnostics. “Dublin’s unique ecosystem, combining a strong pharma and tech industry, enables us to attract top talent and drive innovation,” Walsh states. 

The future of Ireland’s life sciences sector lies in digital health and artificial intelligence, with companies integrating these technologies to create smarter, more efficient medical solutions. The Novartis Global Service Center in Dublin serves as a “leading digital science hub,” says Walsh, adding that it generates economic impact through highly skilled employment. 

“Ireland offers a highly educated workforce, and we find excellent talent locally. We also attract international talent, drawn by the opportunities here,” she emphasizes. Oliver O’Connor of IPHA agrees, noting that continued investment in education and skills is fundamental to Ireland’s global positioning as a healthcare innovation leader.

Caitriona Walsh, Managing Director, Novartis Ireland. 20/09/2022 Photograph: ©Fran Veale

What are the main focus areas and key initiatives at Novartis Ireland? 

Novartis prioritizes five therapy areas—oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, neuroscience, and hematology— supported by three key platforms: new drug development, cell and gene therapy, and radioligand therapy. The company pioneered CAR T-cell therapy and is advancing radioligand therapies in oncology. In Dublin, teams oversee global clinical trials and manage complex logistics to ensure timely patient access. Novartis also emphasizes digital integration in healthcare, as exemplified by the LEAP patient support program. 

What lessons can we learn from Novartis as a successful FDI case study in Ireland?

Ireland has evolved from a manufacturing center to a leader in value-added life sciences, largely because of a comprehensive strategy that spans research to patient access. Sustained government backing for innovation and business-friendly policies are vital for maintaining Ireland’s competitive advantage. Novartis leverages local partnerships and the dynamic ecosystem to ensure a thriving and sustainable future for Ireland’s pharmaceutical sector. 

How engaged is Novartis Ireland with the local healthcare ecosystem? 

Novartis is deeply invested in local innovation, collaborating with Irish companies such as LetsGetChecked and HealthBeacon and partnering with academic initiatives like the FutureNeuro program. These efforts drive global impact while supporting employee health, sustainability, and economic growth in Ireland. For example, our partnership with HealthBeacon has achieved energy savings equivalent to making over five million cups of tea, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability.

The US as Ireland’s economic anchor

The United States is as a primary market for Ireland, offering unparalleled opportunities for growth, collaboration, and innovation. Leaders from diverse sectors in Ireland have underscored the importance of nurturing this vital relationship.

Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, highlights Monaghan’s entrepreneurial culture and its ties to the US. “Monaghan’s strong entrepreneurial culture supports indigenous economic growth, with 22% of the population self-employed. Successful local businesses, such as CombiLift, export US$1 million worth of goods to the US daily,” he notes. Burns emphasized key areas for US investment, including food, engineering, and manufacturing, as well as Monaghan’s growing bioeconomy sector. “We’re developing a tourism and economic strategy to attract North American visitors and investment,” he adds.

Jim O’Toole, CEO of Bord Bia, highlights Ireland’s agri-food sector as a major driver of exports to the US. “The food and drink sector in Ireland is very heavily export-focused,” he explains. “We’ve seen impressive strides with branded dairy products, especially Kerrygold, and Irish drinks have flourished, with the US accounting for a substantial share of Irish beverage exports.” He also emphasizes the role of sustainability initiatives like Origin Green in bolstering Ireland’s reputation in the US market. “It’s about more than selling products; it’s about representing Ireland, our values, and our unwavering commitment to quality,” O’Toole concludes.

From an academic standpoint, Professor Orla Feely, President of University College Dublin (UCD), underscored the importance of US partnerships in higher education. “Our collaboration with US universities, such as Northeastern and UC Davis, strengthens our research and educational offerings,” she says. Feely highlights UCD’s commitment to global challenges through research initiatives in areas like artificial intelligence and climate science. “As a small island on Europe’s edge, Ireland’s greatest resource has always been its talented people,” she notes, emphasizing the role of Irish alumni in the US as ambassadors for the country’s academic excellence.

Micheál O’Connor, Group Managing Director of Dornan Engineering, emphasizes the strategic importance of the US in the company’s growth. “Our focus on exceptional service ensures that when clients expand, we meet their needs wherever they go,” he explains. Dornan’s recent acquisition by Turner Construction, North America’s largest building contractor, has positioned the company to support emerging industries in green technologies, biopharma, and data centers. “We’re excited to support these sectors and strengthen our US ties,” O’Connor adds.

Together, these insights underscore the US as a cornerstone of Ireland’s economic and strategic outlook. By fostering collaboration across business, academia, and innovation, Ireland continues to solidify its position as a dynamic partner to the US, ensuring mutual growth and shared success.