New programme empowers manufacturers to deploy digital transformation to drive business value

Irish Medtech Skillnet has launched a first-of-its-kind programme designed to equip Ireland’s Medtech, engineering, and manufacturing sectors with the practical tools, expert insight, and strategic clarity needed to drive digital transformation for businesses in these sectors.

The pioneering Digital Transformation Simplified programme brings together forward-looking organisations that are ready to take decisive steps toward digital innovation.

Commenting on the importance of the programme, Dr. Ann O’Connell, Network Manager for Irish Medtech Skillnet and Head of Funded Projects for Medtech and Engineering at Ibec, said:

“We developed this programme in direct response to a call from industry for support to turn digital ambition into real, practical progress. The Digital Transformation Simplified programme provides a structured, outcomes-focused journey, starting with a Digital Maturity Assessment and ending with a clear, actionable transformation plan. Over six months, participants move step-by-step through the key stages of digital transformation, supported by industry experts, real-world examples, and hands-on tools. The participating companies are not just learning, they are implementing, and the impact they will deliver will set a new standard for what is possible in Medtech manufacturing.”

Speaking at the launch, Jackie Murphy, Vice President, Manufacturing Plant Manager, Alcon and Chair of Irish Medtech, commented:

“This innovative programme has been specifically shaped for industry to cut through complexity. It enables participating companies to pinpoint and evaluate the most impactful digitalisation projects that will yield measurable business value - moving from ambition to action with real operational impacts. What sets this programme apart is its integration with Ireland’s national digital transformation ecosystem. By leveraging the collective knowledge of industry experts, productivity specialists, funding bodies, and high-performing exemplars, Digital Transformation Simplified harnesses the full force of the ecosystem to support participating companies."

This programme was developed for industry by industry, and David Higgins, Manager of Automation and Digitalisation at Stryker, shared the story of Stryker’s exemplary digital transformation at the launch.  

“Even with legacy systems and long-standing processes, transformational outcomes are absolutely achievable if you have supportive leaders, and teams that are open to change. I urge the industry to embrace this programme and extract all you can from it. I wish there had been a programme like this on the market when we set out on our own transformation journey”. 

The impact of this programme is anticipated to stretch far beyond internal systems and productivity metrics. Ireland is a recognised global hub for medical technology, home to over 450 Medtech companies and approximately 50,000 professionals. The digital strategies being developed today will shape the future of healthcare innovation and patient care worldwide, ensuring Irish-developed technologies are delivered faster, safer, and smarter to those who need them most. 

As the digital landscape evolves, Irish Medtech Skillnet is committed to developing and delivering practical, industry-led solutions that connect innovation with real-world solutions, supporting the future of Medtech and advanced manufacturing in Ireland.

Learn more about the Digital Transformation Simplified programme here:Programme Page.