The biotechnology sector saw a slight downturn, with exports falling by 2% to €3 billion in 2007, due mainly to the closure of some low-tech manufacturing facilities. However, the sector is set for further growth in 2008 as major expansions in global product supply in the sector were announced, coupled with significant investment in the sector by the government announced in January 2008. In the biotechnology sector some 140 companies employ over 26,000 employees. Ireland’s biotechnology sector is primed for growth, and this success is due in part to the significant R&D investment in the sector in recent years. Irish bioscience will benefit from a combined funding of more $1.3 billion. In the biotechnology sector quality and regulatory affairs crop up as ongoing requirements in the sector. Companies have started to consider the value of attracting foreign workers in certain highly specialized fields, and recently the Dublin Chamber of Commerce announced it’s ‘Ten Point Plan’ to make Dublin a global knowledge city, focusing on attracting the best talent in the world to Ireland. The Ten-Point Plan suggests key measures such as the introduction of short-term financial incentives and an expedited immigration application process to increase the attractiveness of Dublin to international candidates.

INTERESTING LINKS

http://www.sfi.ie - Science Foundation Ireland

http://www.ibec.ie/ibia - Irish BioIndustry Association

http://www.nicb.dcu.ie - National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology

http://www.biotechnologyireland.com/ - Biotechnology Ireland

http://www.sciencespin.com - Science Spin Magazine

http://www.science.ie - Science Ireland Website

http://www.eurobiotechnews.eu - European Biotechnology News