Cork has a proud reputation as a creative, innovative and vibrant region. As Ireland’s second city, it is an international gateway to Europe and lies at the centre of the global economies of Asia and the Americas. Cork has a strong track record in attracting investment. There is a positive can-do attitude that inspires confidence in international investors and makes visitors feel instantly welcome.
As a university city with 35,000+ students, Cork boasts a ready supply of skills across many sectors which are all supported by world-class research groups and centres of excellence including:
- University College Cork (UCC) and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) provide highly-skilled, industry-ready graduates
- Tyndall Institute – Ireland’s largest ICT Research Centre
- APC Microbiome Ireland – Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre
- ASSERT Centre – design, develop, deploy and trial innovative and disruptive healthcare solutions, in a simulated healthcare environment
- Nimbus – Ireland’s leading research centre in cyber-physical systems and Internet of Things (IoT)
Let’s take a look at 3 of the top clusters:
ICT – Cork has a proven track record as an international location for investment with strong clusters of investment particularly in ICT. Cork is already home to over 60 International Technology Companies covering IC Design, manufacturing, software development, and cybersecurity. It is also home to ‘Coder Dojo’ and ‘I Wish’ (Inspiring Women in STEM).
Agri-food – Cork is a leader in the fields of agriculture and food research in Ireland, undertaking innovative research in:
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation
- Crops, Environment and Land Use
- Food
- Rural Economy and Development
- APC Microbiome gastrointestinal bacteria research
Financial Services – Cork is Ireland’s second-largest financial services hub and has the second highest number of IFS companies outside Dublin. Cork has over 14 IFS companies employing over 1,300 people with 1000+ more employed in financial roles in shared services and related audit and financial firms. Nearly 500 jobs in the FS sector created in the last 18 months including expansions of existing firms.
If you are a member of an international association and would like to know more about the free of charge supports available through Cork Convention Bureau and Failte Ireland to help you win your organisation’s conference for Cork, please don’t hesitate to contact me Evelyn@visitcork.ie
