Sinead Keogh
Director, Medtech and Engineering, Ibec
Ensuring a diverse talent pool that fosters innovation and enhances competitiveness is key to advancing Ireland’s position as a global medtech hub.
For people who want to make a difference, the medtech industry offers an exciting opportunity to help save and transform lives. Ireland’s global medtech hub already stands out as the greatest employer of medtech professionals in Europe, per capita, with 42,000 people working across 450 businesses.
Innovation for growth
Medtech is arguably one of the most innovative sectors, with 14,200 patent applications filed in the EU in 2020 alone. To meet the ever-changing demands of this burgeoning sector, lifelong learning has never been more essential. With 37% of businesses reporting a demand for engineers and 25% hiring quality and regulatory professionals.
To help the industry achieve its potential, the Irish Medtech Association has set out a new 2025 strategy identifying ‘Talent to Thrive’ as a central pillar. Under this body of work, we will create diverse, best in class, talent to secure Ireland’s future medtech competitiveness
Medtech is used to diagnose, monitor and treat health conditions. This requires cross-functional teams to develop and deliver disruptive medtech for the future of health. Not only does this require greater collaboration between industry and education providers, but also better representation.
Medtech is arguably one of the most innovative sectors, with 14,200 patent applications filed in the EU in 2020 alone.
Increasing representation
To create a more representative workforce, not only do we want to increase the number of girls pursuing STEM subjects, but also increase the number of women returning to the workforce and rising to leadership positions. We also want to upskill existing talent, utilising industry-led training under the supervision of Skillnets, as well as encourage non-traditional career routes such as the manufacturing technician and engineering apprenticeships.
Strategy implementation
To build world-class talent we have identified four key areas of activity:
- Ensuring the education sector is fit for purpose with adequate funding and greater accessibility.
- Supporting lifelong learning to ensure ongoing in-company training to meet the evolving needs of our knowledge economy.
- Showcasing the value of the sector to transform healthcare and grow our economy.
- Building a global workforce in Ireland which recognises the value of different talents.