Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today published a report on Ireland’s International Education strategy.
The independent review, which can be found here, examined Ireland’s strategy from 2016 to 2020 and carried out a full cost benefit analysis on the value of international education to Ireland.
The report finds there has been significant success in achieving the overall objectives set out and quantifies its value at €2.38 billion to the Irish economy.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “The report finds Ireland has been hugely successful in attracting international students to study and work here.
“Going forward, the review outlines opportunities for Ireland as the only English speaking country in the EU in the aftermath of Brexit as well as the impacts arising from the pandemic.
“Today we are starting the next phase of the strategy broadening it to Education, Research and Innovation.
“This is an opportunity to help shape our international education, research and innovation landscape and policy direction for years to come. A detailed and inclusive consultation process will be vital to creating the new strategy.
“We all know that our engagement internationally generates substantial economic benefits for Ireland. However, we cannot underestimate the value of the less tangible outputs such as the deepening of institution-to-institution relationships, and the forging of stronger strong cultural partnerships, to name but a few. More importantly, I want to see our higher education campuses to maximise their reputation as spaces open and welcoming of a diverse student population.
“We have seen over the last two years how the education, research and innovation sectors have adapted to the challenges of Covid-19. I want to build on these foundations to identify key strategic priorities, and actions, which could be implemented, as we set out on an ambitious journey to increase our international footprint.
“We want to hear from international education, research and innovation stakeholders, as well as the wider public about their views, and I invite them to respond to the consultation paper published today.”
The next strategy will be a high level document setting ambitious yet achievable strategic goals and objectives to 2025. All sectors involved in international activities were deeply impacted by the pandemic, and the new strategy will play a key role in the recovery of Ireland’s ERI sectors, and will provide a framework on which to develop and strengthen existing and new relationships.
Find more information on how to make a submission to the online consultation.
ENDS
Notes to the Editor
A commitment to review and update of Ireland’s previous International Education Strategy, Irish Educated, Globally Connected: An International Strategy for Ireland 2016-2020, was contained in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future.
In advance of drafting a new strategy, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) commissioned an independent review of the 2016-2020 strategy. Indecon Research Economics was engaged to conduct this review and was tasked to:
- complete a full evaluation of the strategy, including its targets and actions, through research and consultation with relevant stakeholders;
- bring forward recommendations as to how Government should proceed in relation to the continued growth of international education in Ireland; and
- undertake a full Cost Benefit Analysis exercise on the value of international education to Ireland.
Based on consultations with stakeholders, Indecon concluded that the strategy has been very effective in achieving its overall objectives, however, the implementation of a new strategy will play a significant role in post-pandemic recovery.
The establishment of DFHERIS offers the opportunity to bring the international education strategy and the research and innovation strategy together in an aligned framework. This, complemented by the Indecon Review and wider public policy developments, provide the basis for the key drivers informing the new strategy.
The strategy will be developed in collaboration with stakeholders and key departments and agencies. It will align with the ambitions of the Government’s Global Ireland strategy as well as the new research and innovation strategy, which is currently being developed.
DFHERIS has identified a number of strategic priorities and areas of action for consideration as part of the consultation process to develop the next national International Education, Research and Innovation Strategy. Among other issues, it is intended that the strategy will cover the following major themes:
- Devising and implementing measures required to foster a sustainable and high-quality post-Covid recovery in the international education sector over the medium term and contributing to the overall objective of national economic recovery;
- Strengthening the role of further and higher education and research in supporting our key external relationships and soft power, especially in the post-Brexit world;
- Supporting the Shared Island policy agenda with a focus on enhanced research and education collaboration on the island of Ireland;
- Enhancing the role of skills, human capital international research and innovation collaboration in strengthening Ireland’s proposition as a global innovation hub and a partner in addressing global challenges.
- Ensuring that Ireland’s values underpin our engagement in international academic collaboration;
- Developing environmentally sustainable approaches to internationalisation;
- Ensuring appropriate risk management is embedded in our approach to international education, to mitigate the impact of potential future shocks.