- Skillnet Ireland released research showing 78pc of business leaders view upskilling as a strategic priority
- The report Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2026 surveyed 750 business leaders
- 72pc of SMEs identified access to qualified talent as very important
- 41pc of Irish companies demonstrated high or very high digital intensity
- Just 27pc of businesses planned to invest in AI upskilling over the next 12 months
Skillnet Ireland has released new research revealing that 78pc of business leaders view upskilling as a strategic priority. The report entitled Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2026 was based on research conducted by Ipsos B&A with a nationally representative survey of 750 business leaders. The research showed that access to skilled talent remains the single most important enabler of success.
Among SMEs with 10 to 49 employees, 72pc identified access to qualified talent as very important. This rose to 75pc among large businesses with 250 or more employees. More than half of companies expected the core skills required by their workforce to change over the next three years. This rose to 79pc among larger organisations.
The research revealed differences in digital transformation progress. Using a new Digital Intensity Index based on Eurostat methodology, the findings pointed to a two-speed digital economy. While 41pc of Irish companies demonstrated high or very high levels of digital intensity, the majority remained at lower levels of digital adoption. Just 27pc of businesses planned to invest in AI upskilling over the next 12 months.
Mark Jordan, Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland, shared “The findings reinforce a clear message from Irish business leaders that workforce development is now a strategic business imperative. As technologies continue to evolve and industries transform, businesses need access to innovative upskilling opportunities to remain competitive and future ready.”
