Third-level to increase focus on digital media

THOUSANDS of jobs and billions of euro of investment could be generated in the animation, electronic games and other digital media industries in Ireland if specialised courses are offered by third-level colleges, a Government policy body has suggested.

The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) and Forfás believe Ireland is well placed to take a large share of the industry, projected to be worth around €1.2 trillion globally in the next three years.

But their report on how the country can best position itself to maximise the benefit says universities and institutes of technology need to offer more industry-specific courses designed to meet requirements of manufacturing and research.