Ireland’s focused R&D strategy is attracting global enterprise

American companies have never been more eager to invest in Ireland, writes Brian Conroy, executive vice president and director, North America at IDA Ireland

Taoiseach Micheál Martin alongside IDA chief executive Michael Lohan presenting the IDA Ireland Special Recognition Award, to Brad Smith, Microsoft vice chair and president as Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary worldwide and 40 years in Ireland. Picture: Julien Behal

Ireland has long been a country that global corporations have wanted to do business with. Increasingly, it has become a country that companies feel they need to do business with.

American companies have never been more eager to invest in Ireland, and the appeal extends well beyond quality-of-life considerations for relocated personnel. Many firms view Ireland as a strategically sound business decision. For Ireland, it has been equally strategic to bring American corporations and their investments here.