WHY IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND?
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Access to the whole of the European Union market, a potential clientele of 500 million people.
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Economic stability and trade opportunities. Over 1,000 foreign companies have chosen to invest in Ireland as their European base.
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An overall attractive package of investment incentives including a corporate tax rate of 12.5 %, among the lowest in Europe.
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A highly educated young labor force with outstanding work ethics, high levels of productivity, motivation, and excellent adaptability skills.
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A strong relationship between higher education institutions and industry, resulting in innovation and efficient technology transfer.
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One of the best labor relations records in the world
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A well-built and sustained infrastructure that includes modern shipping facilities, worldwide direct telephone dialing, and an efficient air service, providing easy access to world travel.
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A tradition of industrial excellence in a variety of fields such as textiles, electronics, industrial products, life sciences, computer software, and aerospace.
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Ranked number one by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2005 “Quality of Life” Index, which cited its GDP per capita (4th highest in the world), low unemployment, political liberties, stable family life, and range of cultural opportunities as contributing factors, resulting in a unique blend of old and new ideals.
Ireland has a strong presence in the biotechnology sector as the number of companies and funds continue to grow. The sector cooperates with the multinational healthcare and IT industries as well as with high quality graduates, both of which contribute to its ever-developing potential. As a part of its National Development Plan the Irish government is investing €2.47 billion (2001-2006) in “research, technological development, and innovation.” Many organizations, e.g. Science Foundation Ireland, Biotechnology Ireland, the Higher Education Authority, and the Irish BioIndustry Association, have all contributed to the further development of the industry through programs designed to help build partnerships, both national and international. Most recently, in May 2006 Enterprise Ireland announced a new, €30 million fund to help facilitate technology transfer within Irish higher education institutions. Currently, Life Sciences companies employ over 35,000 people and generate more than €43 billion in exports annually. Thus, a significant portion of Ireland’s capital and human resources are dedicated to this growth sector, making it strong and full of promise for a successful future.
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Northern Ireland’s biotechnology sector also continues to expand. Its extensive range of research and development facilities places the region at the forefront of Life Sciences research. The private sector works closely with a variety of university research departments to ensure its continued growth and innovation. In September 2005 the University of Ulster opened a new, £14.5 million Centre for Molecular Biosciences (CMB), a research institution dedicated to critical health issues, and in April of 2006, the CMB expanded with the opening of a £4 million Centre for Functional Genomics. Also, Queen’s University, Belfast is completing a new, £22 million Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology, adjacent to the recently opened, £60 million Northern Ireland Clincal Cancer Centre. This complex, when finished in 2007, will be a world-class Comprehensive Cancer Centre, one of the best in Europe, and the first on the Island of Ireland.
"Ireland has made a remarkable shift to a knowledge based economy and is one of the leading technology centers in Europe. The BioIreland Conference is a great opportunity to learn about successful initiatives on the island, and to facilitate strategic partnerships that help companies in our region access technology and the European Market." --Don Smith, Director of Economic Development for the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University
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