On 25 March 2026, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD convened the inaugural National Skills Roundtable at TU Dublin’s Grangegorman Campus. The gathering brought together senior representatives from industry, employer organisations, and higher‑education partners to discuss how Ireland can future‑proof its workforce amid rapid technological change. The event marked the start of a sustained programme of high‑level engagement aimed at aligning national skills policy with the evolving demands of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation.
Setting the Stage for a National Conversation
The roundtable was chaired by Minister Lawless himself, underscoring the government’s commitment to taking ownership of Ireland’s future skills agenda. TU Dublin President Dr Deirdre Lillis and Governing Body Chair Gerard Howlin welcomed the minister and highlighted the university’s role as a neutral convenor capable of bridging the gap between policy makers and practitioners. Dr Dympna O’Sullivan, Vice President for Research and Innovation at TU Dublin, represented the institution at the discussions, ensuring that research‑insight fed directly into the dialogue.
Minister Lawless opened the session with a candid assessment of the challenges facing the country. He noted that while Ireland’s economic success has historically rested on the strength of its people, the current pace of technological disruption is unprecedented. Advances in AI, the spread of automation, and the continual emergence of new digital tools are reshaping job roles and the skill sets required to succeed across every sector.
Why a Skills Roundtable Matters Now
The minister emphasized that the roundtable is not merely a forum for discussion but a mechanism for generating concrete, actionable outcomes. By bringing government, employers, and educators together at speed, the initiative seeks to:
- Identify the specific competencies that will be in demand over the next five to ten years.
- Map out practical steps that can be taken today to upskill and reskill the existing workforce.
- Strengthen collaboration between public policy, industry needs, and educational provision.
- Position Ireland as a leader rather than a follower in the global race for talent and innovation.
These objectives align closely with the broader national strategy to maintain competitiveness, foster innovation capacity, and ensure long‑term economic resilience. The roundtable’s work will feed directly into future national skills policy, inform investment priorities, and support longitudinal workforce planning.
Key Themes Emerging from the Discussions
Participants explored several interlocking themes that will shape the agenda for the upcoming “deep dive” sessions scheduled throughout 2026:
Artificial Intelligence and Automation
There was broad consensus that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present‑day driver of change. Automation is already altering routine tasks in manufacturing, logistics, and even professional services. The roundtable highlighted the need for workers to develop complementary skills such as data literacy, critical thinking, and the ability to work alongside intelligent systems.
Digital Transformation Across Sectors
Beyond AI, the broader wave of digital transformation—cloud computing, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, and advanced analytics—was identified as a cross‑cutting force. Employers stressed that digital fluency must become a baseline expectation, not a specialist add‑on, for graduates entering the labour market.
Evolving Work Practices
The shift toward hybrid and remote working models, gig‑economy arrangements, and project‑based teams was discussed as a catalyst for new skill requirements. Adaptability, self‑management, and strong communication abilities emerged as essential traits for thriving in fluid work environments.
Lifelong Learning and Skills Agility
All parties agreed that the traditional model of front‑loaded education followed by a static career is insufficient. Instead, a culture of continuous learning must be cultivated, supported by accessible micro‑credentials, modular programmes, and strong links between universities and industry training providers.
TU Dublin’s Role as a Catalyst
As Ireland’s first technological university, TU Dublin is uniquely positioned to contribute to the skills agenda. The institution’s strong focus on applied research, its extensive portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and its deep connections with regional employers provide a solid foundation for translating roundtable insights into practice.
During the event, TU Dublin showcased several initiatives that already address future workforce needs:
- Industry‑aligned undergraduate programmes in areas such as data science, cybersecurity, and sustainable engineering.
- Postgraduate research opportunities that partner directly with companies on AI‑driven innovation projects.
- Flexible lifelong‑learning offerings, including Springboard+ courses and micro‑credentials, designed for upskilling mid‑career professionals.
- Enterprise engagement platforms that facilitate co‑creation of curriculum and work‑based learning experiences.
These examples illustrate how the university can act as a bridge, converting policy dialogue into tangible educational pathways.
Next Steps: Deep Dive Sessions and Sector‑Specific Engagement
Following the inaugural roundtable, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science will convene a series of targeted “deep dive” workshops. These sessions will focus on particular sectors—such as pharmaceuticals, financial services, agri‑tech, and creative industries—where the impact of technological change is especially pronounced.
The insights gathered will be synthesised into a national skills roadmap, which will:
- Outline short‑term actions (e.g., funding for specific upskilling schemes).
- Identify medium‑term priorities (e.g., curriculum reform in higher education).
- Set long‑term goals (e.g., establishing a national skills observatory to monitor labour‑market trends).
Businesses are encouraged to contribute practical case studies and real‑world data to ensure that policy remains grounded in industry reality.
How Stakeholders Can Get Involved
The success of the National Skills Roundtable depends on broad participation. Here are several ways interested parties can engage:
- Employers: Share your workforce‑planning challenges and the competencies you anticipate needing in the next three to five years.
- Education Providers: Propose innovative programme designs or flexible delivery models that respond to emerging skill gaps.
- Policy Makers: Use the roundtable’s findings to inform budget allocations and legislative initiatives.
- Individuals: Explore upskilling opportunities offered by TU Dublin and other institutions, and consider how micro‑credentials can enhance your employability.
Conclusion: Building a Resilient, Future‑Ready Workforce
The inaugural National Skills Roundtable hosted by Minister James Lawless at TU Dublin represents a pivotal moment in Ireland’s approach to skills development. By convening government, industry, and education leaders around a shared vision of technological readiness, the initiative lays the groundwork for a proactive, collaborative response to the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, automation, and digital transformation.
As the roundtable’s work progresses through deep‑dive sessions and sector‑specific engagements, the resulting insights will shape national skills policy, guide investment decisions, and support individuals in navigating an evolving labour market. For students, professionals, and employers alike, the message is clear: investing in skills today is the most reliable strategy for securing Ireland’s economic prosperity tomorrow.
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