Government to publish action plan on competitiveness
The Government is to publish a new Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity today aimed at increasing Ireland’s international competitiveness and resilience.
The initiative is designed to boost innovation, investment and productivity in key areas of the economy, in light of the evolving geopolitical and international trade environment.
The 124-page plan, which covers six key areas, will contain 85 actions, of which 26 are described as priority actions.
It will be launched today by Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke alongside Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Tánaiste Simon Harris.
Minister Burke said much of the trade changes are out of our control, so he said the plan is aimed at “sharpening up our offering and ensuring that we control the controlables – when it comes to funding for Irish enterprises, targeting the FDI of the future, ensuring we continue to have the talent pipeline and tackling infrastructure constraints”.
Among the measures set to be outlined in the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity will be what is described as “a step change in the funding for innovation and collaboration with higher institutions, as we know the amount spent on research and partnerships between industry and academia is of critical importance when it comes to advancing economies”.
It will also contain new structures on artificial intelligence, intellectual property and start ups.
Reduce red tape and regulatory burden
There will also be a focus on what Ireland can do “to push competitiveness and continue to meaningfully reduce red tape and regulatory burden” when the country holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union next year.
Minister Burke said: “Our policies have excelled in the past when it comes to attracting investment and providing the right conditions for enterprise to thrive.”
“But the global landscape has shifted and new challenges demand new thinking.”
‘Blueprint for future’ – Minister Burke
“To support indigenous enterprise and the foreign direct investment of tomorrow, we must pivot with purpose. This new competitiveness plan is our blueprint for that future,” he added.
Last week, the Taoiseach said the plan will set out ways “to reduce the cost and regulatory burden on businesses”.
Mr Martin said the measures will form part of “a coordinated series of actions across Government”.
He said the plan will also focus on “improving planning and regulation, as well as investing in infrastructure and energy reform”.
“We need to move forward initiatives to tackle the costs of doing business – and these include unreasonable delays in getting decisions.”
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