Susan Treacy
CEO, HealthTech Ireland
Ireland’s life sciences sector is entering a pivotal phase with the inclusion of a Life Science Strategy creation in the Programme for Government.
Collective representation to drive success
Today, the sector employs over 102,000 people across pharma and medical technologies, with exports worth €116 billion annually. We have the highest concentration of medtech employment per capita in Europe and over €1 billion in-house R&D spend from FDI (foreign direct investment) companies annually. This speaks directly to the rich talent pool and innovative culture upon which the industry thrives.
Unified strategy for innovation
In the programme, the strategy aims ‘to ensure that this important sector remains competitive and ensure Government adopts a coherent and ambitious approach to future opportunities.’ The associations and agencies — IPHA, HealthTech Ireland, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland — supporting the life science industry greatly welcome this.
Susan Treacy, CEO HealthTech Ireland, says: “Led by government and with support and representation from all stakeholders — industry, research, innovation and education — a cohesive strategy can deliver huge value by nurturing enterprise, fostering innovation and delivering impactful healthcare solutions for Irish citizens.”
Unlocking potential through strategic policy
While Ireland has long been recognised for its pharmaceutical and medtech industries, an ambitious, inclusive and structured strategy ensures further alignment, investment and collaboration across sectors. By fostering partnerships between policymakers, researchers and industry leaders, Ireland can accelerate research, commercialisation and healthcare accessibility, benefiting both the economy and patient outcomes.
‘Through an ambitious national life sciences strategy, Ireland can drive deeper and even more impactful collaboration, deliver world-class healthcare solutions and foster further growth across RD&I, services and manufacturing,’ according to IDA Ireland.
We have a substantial network of innovative
startups and established companies
helping improve patient outcomes.
Building a thriving and sustainable ecosystem
Cepta Duffy, Lifesciences and Healthtech Manager at Enterprise Ireland, says: “We have a substantial network of innovative startups and established companies helping improve patient outcomes in Ireland and abroad. Many companies have been supported by Enterprise Ireland since their inception through needs-led innovation programmes and commercialisation funding to third-level research or through High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) funding.
“Furthermore, many have been successful in attracting funding from the Irish Government’s Disruptive Technology Innovation Fund (DTIF) and through the EU’s Horizon Europe European Innovation Council (EIC) programmes. Through the collaboration and commitment of all stakeholders, the new strategy will ensure the growth of the sector and drive innovation further. We, at Enterprise Ireland, look forward to working with all participants to deliver on the life sciences strategy to elevate Ireland’s status as a global leader in healthcare solutions.”
Delivering healthcare solutions in Ireland
As Ireland advances on this journey, the collective expertise and commitment of IDA, Enterprise Ireland, HealthTech Ireland and IPHA will be pivotal in supporting the Government to foster an environment nurturing enterprise, accelerating cutting-edge research and, ultimately, delivering world-class healthcare solutions for all.
