Why Ireland?

- Ireland’s public expenditure on education (per capita) is ranked 8th in the world; just ahead of the UK (9th), France (11th) and the Netherlands (10th)

- 45% of people between the age of 25 and 34 in Ireland have a 3rd level qualification placing Ireland 8th in the World for university education attainment.

- Ireland’s labour productivity (GDP (PPP) per person employed per hour, US$) is the 6th highest in the world. 

- Ireland ranks 1st in the world for having a corporation tax that does not discourage entrepreneurial activity

Source: World Competitiveness Yearbook 2010

- Since the launch of the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006 – 2013, Irish-Owned Business expenditure has increased by 33%. (€390m to €520m in nominal terms). (In other words) Irish-owned businesses spend over half a billion on R&D annually.  

Source: BERD 2007/2008 Survey

- Ireland is a highly entrepreneurial society and established entrepreneurs make up 8.6% of its adult population. Ireland has a higher proportion of established entrepreneurs than the majority of its Eurozone counterparts as well as the UK (6.4%), the US (7.7%), Australia (8.5%) and Israel (3.1%). 

Source: Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2010 Report