Skills and Education

A recent Ibec survey of human resource trends among its members found that nearly four in ten businesses regard the availability of talent and skills to fill vacancies as being the key challenge to be faced in the coming 12 months, while more than eight in ten businesses regarded it as being among the top five challenges faced.

Lack of available talent and a skilled workforce, however, will limit the growth and development potential of the Experience Economy, and undermine Ireland’s reputation in experience creation.

Policy Recommendations:

Conduct a future skills report for the Experience Economy.

As an important employment economy both regionally and nationally in the Irish economy, with significant potential for future expansion an extensive study is required to assess the skills demand needs arising within this economy and future skills required. This study will ensure that there will be the right supply of skills to help drive business and employment growth and investment in this economy. Government needs to urgently progress options available to unlock the National Training Fund (NTF).

Develop a resourced, high level, end-to-end skills strategy for the Experience Economy to ensure Ireland is a world leader for education and training.

The development of a national, sector-driven, proactive skills strategy for the Experience Economy will develop and further enhance digital skills to drive innovation. The strategy should aim to promote and position the experience sector as a career of choice, encourage life-long learning and should be informed by research illustrating the breadth and depth of linkages and economic contribution.

Foster innovation by developing Experience Economy as a convergence sector 8 and support intrapreneurship.

Develop and support Experience Economy regional business clusters that will drive the regional economy and deliver efficiencies and productivity to the interconnected businesses. Support transformational change within businesses, harness new ways of working through technology and by sharing of resources, all of which will drive innovation, create opportunities and future proof the Experience Economy.

Support the development and funding of traineeship programmes for the Experience Economy.

Traineeship programmes should reflect current and future industry needs with particular focus on the provision of marketing, digital and sustainability skills to future proof the skills required for the evolving industry.