Irish businesses see upskilling as strategic priority, 2026 study finds

New research from Skillnet Ireland, based on interviews with 750 business leaders, shows that boosting workers’ skills is now a top strategic focus for Irish companies. The study highlights how access to qualified talent influences business success and how different company sizes prioritize upskilling.

What changed in 2026

According to Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2026, 78% of business leaders say upskilling is a strategic priority for their organisation. This marks a strong emphasis on training despite broader economic conditions. The study used a survey of 750 business leaders and was launched by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless.

Key facts at a glance

• 78% of business leaders view upskilling as a strategic priority.
• Access to skilled talent is the most important business enabler, as identified by respondents.
• SMEs (10–49 employees) rate access to qualified talent as highly important (72%), while larger firms (>250 employees) rate it at 75%.

Who is affected

The findings cover a broad spectrum of Irish businesses, from small to large. The data reflect leadership views on workforce priorities and emerging skills needs across the economy, with emphasis on talent availability and the role of training in sustaining growth.

Practical next steps for organisations

• Assess internal skills gaps and map them to strategic goals.
• Invest in targeted training programs (e.g., digital skills, leadership, compliance) aligned with business needs.
• Explore partnerships with training providers and government-backed upskilling initiatives to access funding or guidance.
• Monitor talent pipelines and adapt hiring and training plans as skills needs evolve.

Limits and questions to track

The report focuses on leadership opinions and self-reported priorities. It does not specify which sectors or regions face the greatest skills gaps, nor does it quantify ROI on upskilling investments. Future updates may reveal how training translates into performance or productivity gains.

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