Securing Ireland’s economic resilience in a time of international trade instability hinges on addressing critical shortages in STEM talent, attendees at the recent Engineers Ireland STEM Forum heard.
The event, held at Buswells Hotel and supported by global medtech leader Medtronic, gathered policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to tackle the growing skills gap in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
A national survey conducted by Interactions Research revealed that 71% of Irish adults believe STEM skills are more vital than ever due to current global trade tensions.
Four in five respondents also believe the Government must do more to reduce the high dropout rates from STEM programmes at third level.
The research also highlighted strong public support for measures aimed at retaining STEM talent in Ireland.
Addressing the cost of living (71%), boosting investment in housing and infrastructure (69%), and expanding educational supports (68%) were cited as the most impactful steps the Government could take.
Additionally, 84% of those surveyed believe more generous R&D incentives would help encourage greater STEM participation.
Despite this, just 28% of adults believe the Government is on the right path when it comes to bridging the STEM skills gap.
The Forum also underscored the ongoing demand for engineers in Ireland.
Engineering roles remain prominent on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s Critical Skills Occupations List, while SOLAS continues to identify engineering as an area of significant shortage in its 2024 National Skills Bulletin.
Speaking at the event, Senator Erin McGreehan, newly appointed Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, said: “Ireland’s tradition of excellence in STEM is something to be proud of, but it’s also something we must actively protect and develop.
“We need to ensure students are supported not just to enter but to succeed in STEM education and careers.
“The Government is committed to partnering with educators and industry to improve progression routes and tackle dropout rates, so we can secure the talent Ireland needs in a highly competitive global environment.”
Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, echoed the call for action: “Engineering and STEM are core to Ireland’s industrial base and economic success.
"To protect these sectors against global shocks, we need policies that strengthen the STEM pipeline, starting with greater support for students and broader participation in STEM education.
"If we fail to act, we risk jeopardising future investment and economic growth.”
Ronan Rogers, Senior R&D Director at Medtronic, added: “Ireland’s strength in life sciences and advanced manufacturing is underpinned by our access to skilled STEM talent.
“For Medtronic and other innovation-driven companies, continuing investment in STEM education and research is essential.
“We welcome recent commitments such as enhancements to the R&D Tax Credit and the Life Sciences Strategy—but these must now be matched by clear actions to support students and build a stronger talent pipeline from the classroom to the workforce.”
Earlier research by Engineers Ireland highlights that over one-third of engineering employers report waiting six to 12 months to fill roles, while just 9.8% of Irish graduates come from engineering disciplines, nearly half the global average.
