29^th  April 2019: Skillnet Ireland have today been announced as the newest member of the European DIGITAL SME Alliance. The European DIGITAL SME Alliance is the largest network of ICT small and medium-sized enterprises in Europe and represents about 20,000 digital SMEs across the EU.

DIGITAL SME represents 28 national and regional SME associations where members share knowledge, research and perspectives to support the evolution of digital SMEs, and to ensure they are continually at the centre of the EU agenda. The association has always been a pioneer for innovation as it actively supports businesses, including SMEs, in addressing their current and future skills needs.

Skillnet Ireland becomes the only Irish member of the alliance and will use this platform to further champion the successful use of digital business technology by the SME sector to promote quality, productivity, competitiveness, and growth.

Dr. Oliver Grün, President of the European DIGITAL SME Alliance, warmly welcomed the membership of Skillnet Ireland: “Skillnet Ireland is an important partner for our Alliance. Ireland is recognised for its rich ecosystem of indigenous ICT companies supporting the many leading tech giants who have EMEA headquarters located there. We look forward to fruitful exchanges of best practices and we aim to have a close collaboration in order to bolster the promotion of digital skills around Europe”.

Skillnet Ireland is represented on the European DIGITAL SME Alliance by the Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet our network dedicated to the needs of companies in the ICT Sector and promoted by Technology Ireland, IBEC.

Commenting on the announcement, Paul Healy, Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland said: “The European DIGITAL SME Alliance is a great opportunity for Skillnet Ireland to extend its vision and approach in promoting digital skills from Ireland to Europe. We are certain that we will establish a mutually beneficial partnership that will enhance our shared aims and objectives.”

Skillnet Ireland plays an important role in contributing to the national conversation on workforce development in Ireland and in promoting the value of upskilling for those in employment or those seeking employment. It facilitates increased participation in enterprise training and workforce learning in Ireland, currently supporting over 15,000 companies and providing a wide range of learning experiences to over 50,000 trainees each year.

Skillnet Ireland is a pioneer for innovation and actively supports businesses, including SMEs, in addressing their current and future skills needs.

Find more information about Skillnet Ireland and the European DIGITAL SME Alliance