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Press release

Skills research partnership between the department and ESRI announced by Minister Harris


Minister Harris welcomes partnership to drive forward Ireland's skills ambition

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris today welcomed the launch of a new partnership on research between his department (DFHERIS) and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) to help drive ambition on skills and talent.

The ESRI, in partnership with the department, will undertake research on developments in the labour market and the shifting nature of skills.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said:

“There are more people at work than ever before but we cannot become complacent. The world of work is changing and it is vital we take steps to future proof the jobs market and people’s jobs.

"Better understanding current, future and emerging skills requirements will help us better plan for the education system we need to have to meet the demands of our economy and society.”

Professor Alan Barrett, Director of the ESRI, added:

“It is well recognised that increases in productivity are the basis for sustainable economic growth and improved living standards.

“In turn, it is also well understood that enhanced skills are a key factor in increasing productivity. Given this context, the ESRI is delighted to be working with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on this crucial research agenda.”

The collaboration between the department and the ESRI will run for 3 years and comes amid a backdrop of rapid transformation affecting skills and labour market needs.

This work will assist Ireland in responding effectively to the challenges and opportunities facing us now and into the future, with a focus on skills and talent as key drivers of productivity, innovation and growth.

This research work is a first step in addressing early findings from the 2022 OECD Skills Strategy Project, specifically the need to have dynamic, granular, real-time data and analysis to ensure Ireland reaches its ambitious goals on skills and talent.

ESRI-DFHERIS Joint Skills Research Programme on Irish Skills Requirements (2022-2025)

The objective of the ESRI DFHERIS Joint Skills Research Programme is to carry out and disseminate research on skills and human capital requirements to help inform and shape policy direction on skills issues.

It is envisaged that the programme will run for 3 years in the first instance and the Steering Committee will guide and provide high-level oversight of the programme in order to support the delivery of its objective.

Steering Committee

Role

To provide high-level oversight and determine work plan for the programme led and in consultation with Programme Coordinator.

Membership

Name Organisation
William Beausang (Co-Chair) DFHERIS
Dr Seamus McGuinness (Co-Chair) ESRI
Stephanie O’Brien DFHERIS
Prof Emer Smyth ESRI
Dr Adele Whelan ESRI
Marcus Breathnach EGFSN
Joan McNaboe SOLAS
Sorcha Carthy HEA
Paul Healy Skillnet Ireland
Unnamed National Training Fund Advisory Group (NTFAG)

Meetings

Steering Committee will convene on quarterly basis with 1st meeting taking place on Friday, 21 October 2022.

Advisory Expert Panels (AEPs)

AEPs will be convened as needed depending on the specification of topics from work programme, with their role to provide expert advice, technical input and provide comments to draft research outputs.

OECD Skills Strategies

OECD Skills Strategies provide a strategic and comprehensive approach to assess countries’ skills challenges and opportunities, and build more effective skills systems. The OECD works collaboratively with countries, states and regions to develop policy responses that are tailored to each one’s specific skills challenges and needs.

The foundation of this approach is the OECD Skills Strategy framework, the components of which are:

  • developing relevant skills over the life course
  • using skills effectively in work and in society
  • strengthening the governance of the skills system

OECD Skills Strategy Project for Ireland

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science leads in partnership with the OECD, 2022 Skills Strategy Project, working across Government via a cross-departmental project team, and through the primary skills infrastructures, the National Skills Council and nine Regional Skills Fora.

There are 4 priority areas of the project:

  • securing balance in skills through a responsive and diversified supply of skills
  • fostering greater participation in lifelong learning in and outside of the workplace
  • strengthening the governance across a joined up skills ecosystem
  • leveraging skills to drive innovation and strengthen the performance of firm

Phases of engagement

The review is being undertaken over around 15 to 18 months and has 4 phases:

  • scoping - mapping and engagement (Q4 2021 to Q1 2022)
  • assessment - (Q2 2022)
  • recommendations - (Q3 to Q4 2022)
  • publication of final report - (Q1 2023)

Skills review progress

Ireland is more than halfway through the comprehensive skills review with the OECD. Clear areas of focus emerging to drive forward ambitiously on include having more dynamic, granular, real-time data to inform how we respond rapidly to industry's needs, particularly across digital skills demands in all sectors.

Initial findings in relation to skills data also include the need for:

  • strengthening the collection of skills information- particularly on shortages of specific skills (not only occupations)
  • strengthening the use of skills information- (provision and forecasting)
  • strengthening the dissemination of skills information- forecasting and better communication of outcomes (that is, FET, STEM)
  • improved, and effective exchange and use of skills data across the government and with stakeholders