Ireland places second in global tech competitiveness thanks to level of graduates

The study ranked 35 countries on their ability to develop and create opportunities in the science and tech sectors. Picture: iStock

Ireland ranks second in a new global league for tech competitiveness, driven by its high level of computer science graduates.

The study, conducted by global consultancy SThree and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), ranked 35 countries on their ability to develop and create opportunities in science and tech.

SThree is a workforce consultancy company that specialises in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem). The centre is an independent economic forecasting and analysis group.

India, China, and African countries were not included due to a lack of reliable data.

Ireland achieved its second place by having the third-highest level of computer science graduates and third in terms of high-tech exports.

It ranked eighth for the number of its AI patents and ninth for the number of software developments. All these metrics are adjusted for population size.

Top of the tables

Singapore took the top spot in tech competitiveness, followed by Ireland, Australia, Finland, and the Republic of Korea. Britain and US ranked 13th and 15th, respectively.

While Ireland scored highly in tech competitiveness, it ranked only 18th across all Stem areas. The All Stem rankings take into account each country’s success in delivering high levels of education, employment, and innovation in Stem-related economic indicators.

Switzerland ranked first in this area, followed by Sweden.

Timo Lehne, the chief executive of SThree, said the rankings show a clear warning sign for G7 nations — none of which made it into the top 10. G7 countries are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US.

“Once the global epicentre for innovation, these countries are now facing stiff competition from emerging tech hubs,” Mr Lehne said.

The challenge is no longer simply about maintaining their position, it’s about ensuring they lead the charge in fostering innovation and nurturing the businesses that will drive the future of global technology

"Without a renewed focus on cultivating groundbreaking companies and embracing future-facing industries, their leadership in the tech race is no longer guaranteed.”