For decades, Ireland has been a magnet for US companies seeking a European base. Its appeal has traditionally included a favourable corporate tax rate and an English-speaking, highly educated population.
Today, those same companies are doubling down and collaborating closely with Irish universities and training providers to build a future-ready workforce skilled in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and biotechnology.
Ireland’s strengths go beyond tax incentives. The 2024 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook ranked Ireland as the fourth most competitive economy in the world, a reflection of its efficiency, education system, and competitiveness. These factors remain key for multinationals considering global expansion.
“Ireland offers US companies a strategic gateway to the European market, enabling them to expand their reach and operations across Europe and beyond,” says Laura Flynn, head of people consulting at EY Ireland. “Another significant draw is our positioning within the EU, which continues to be a major advantage.”
Cultural and historical ties between Ireland and the US also play a role, as does the State’s stable and business-friendly environment. “All of these elements contribute to Ireland’s long-standing reputation as a smart, reliable location for global investment,” says Flynn.
Perhaps the strongest draw for US firms is Ireland’s highly educated workforce. “Talent is a key factor in all investment decisions,” says Flynn . “Ireland is well-equipped to meet the needs of high-tech industries and companies investing in research, development, and innovation.”
According to Global CBRE research, the Republic’s education attainment rate stands at 52.4 per cent, with 1.8 million people holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. This educational foundation provides a solid base for building the skills needed in rapidly evolving sectors.
But it’s not just about existing talent – it’s about keeping that pipeline strong and future-focused. That’s where collaboration comes in.
Flynn highlights the growing synergy between Irish universities and the business sector, which she sees daily in her work with clients. “There is increasingly close collaboration aimed at addressing critical skills gaps, which is vital for meeting current industry needs and anticipating future ones,” she says.
This approach is backed by Skillnet Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025 report, which underscores the need for agile, targeted upskilling across industries. And companies are not just responding – they’re helping shape the solution.
Salesforce, one of the largest tech employers in Ireland, is deeply involved in workforce development through its Future Pathways apprentice programme. “This programme creates skill-based opportunities for young people,” says Carolan Lennon, country leader of Salesforce Ireland. “Apprentices join us for 12 to 36 months, gaining on-the-job experience and an accredited qualification through partnerships with Fast Track into IT and MSLETB.”
The company’s Futureforce programme offers internships and graduate roles that expose early-career talent to live projects across departments – including AI. “Interns are supported through mentorship, training, networking and skills workshops,” says Lennon. “It’s about giving them a real springboard into their careers.”
Forward-thinking organisations are also extending their outreach into second- and third-level education. Flynn points to sectors such as life sciences, technology and financial services, where global companies are actively helping to shape curriculums, offering internships and committing to hiring graduates.
“These collaborations are crafting a robust talent pipeline, one that’s aligned with global market needs,” she says. “Whether it’s AI, biotech or cyber, the skills being developed now will determine Ireland’s economic resilience in the years to come.”
Innovation cycles are shortening, and the rise of generative and agentic AI is accelerating change. Lennon says we’re entering a third wave of AI, one that’s transforming jobs and industries on an unprecedented scale.
“We are in the digital labour revolution, where autonomous agents work alongside humans,” she says. “Experts predict this will evolve into a $6 trillion market. It’s a moment that will define the next era of work.”
According to Lennon, organisations must now redesign roles, reskill teams and rethink how human and AI collaboration unfolds. “Every employee will need to develop new human, agent and business skills to stay competitive,” she says. “We may be the last generation of CEOs with a fully human workforce.”
