Information technology and regional development: the Irish experience

In Ireland both the Industrial Development Authority and Telecom Eireann (the national telecommunications authority) have been very active in implementing policies to ensure that Ireland keeps pace with technological developments. Ireland now has one of Europe's most modern telecommunications infrastructures, and particular attention has also been given to the production of information technology skilled personnel from the third level educational system. Digitalised networks among OECD countries, Ireland is well placed to exploit the new information technologies. The imminence of the Single European Market presents Ireland with many challenges and opportunities and being an island economy, removed from the major markets of mainland Europe, Irish policy makers are acutely aware of the need to obtain as much competitive advantage as possible from the use of advanced telecommunications services. The objective of this paper is to review recent developments in information technology and advanced telecommunications services in Ireland. -from Author