Future export growth in the Industrial Markets sector will increasingly be driven by knowledge-based companies. In addition, manufacturing companies must introduce a services element to their business model to capitalise on their core competencies and increase revenue sources.
Ireland is a leading world location for the Lifesciences sector and Enterprise Ireland will continue to focus attention on the development of this key sector. In addition, Irish companies engaged in the supply of products and services to the environment sector will be strongly supported to capitalise on a growing market opportunity.
The software sector continues to experience relatively strong growth rates. Our vision for this sector is to position Ireland as a recognised centre for innovation and development. However, this area is characterised by multiple small players with small-scale positions in global markets. Enterprise Ireland will actively promote this sector with a view to developing highly successful scaled companies.
The Retail Consumer Markets sector comprises client companies in Fashion, Giftware and Furniture. Within these sectors, innovative strategies, built upon a commitment to design, customer demand and management development, will form the feedstock for future export growth.
There is significant potential for the development of Environmental Products and Services associated with global concerns over climate change, depletion of traditional energy resources and waste generation. Ireland is already becoming a prime location for sourcing these products and services.
This is one of the areas where Enterprise Ireland will seek to be a catalyst for driving Irish company success. Our Environmental Business Unit, working with our network of overseas offices, relevant industry associations and Government departments and agencies will target growth for new and existing clients.
The Irish construction sector has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years. As a result, we now have a group of domestic companies with strong expertise in the sector. In 2008–2010 we will work with this sector to exploit its potential for growth.
Enterprise Ireland will promote and support an export development programme for the internationalisation of this sector, and will formalise an existing team to assist companies win significant business related to the London Olympics.
