Innovative Ireland—technological,industrial and societal challenges

The aims of this paper, from a perspective of the public sector, are (1) to provide a brief background scan of contemporary society, particularly the new challenges for technological, industrial and societal change, (2) to outline in passing some needs for and implications of innovative and entrepreneurial activities, and (3) by so doing provide a perspective on educational and related needs.The thesis of this paper is that Irish society, by virtue of its historical record, its cultural values, its educational and industrial performance and its human resources, is well placed to develop rapidly under contemporary conditions of change. Underlying this proposition is the assumption that the formal educational system from primary to tertiary levels including continuing education has a major role to play in contributing to maximising this economic and social development opportunity.