Microsoft Ireland celebrated its 40th anniversary with an event attended by government officials and industry stakeholders, reflecting on its role in the country’s public and private sectors. General Manager Catherine Doyle took to LinkedIn to discuss the company’s contributions to digital transformation and cloud services, emphasizing its position as a European hub for engineering. Doyle noted that Microsoft’s commitment is to help organizations “embrace technology and unlock new opportunities for the future,” and highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence in driving national growth.
Doyle stated that AI could contribute at least €250 billion to Ireland’s GDP over the next decade, underscoring its significance in future economic strategies. As part of the anniversary celebrations, she confirmed an additional investment of €4 million in AI skilling initiatives over the next three years. Programs such as Dream Space aim to enhance AI literacy and digital skills among students, teachers, and adult learners.
In her remarks, Doyle cautioned against complacency, urging stakeholders to capitalize on Ireland’s current position in global AI adoption. She asserted that sustained collaboration across government and industry is vital for ensuring responsible AI adoption and maximizing economic benefits. “We cannot be complacent, we must do all we can in these early days of AI to maintain this leadership position,” she wrote.
Also addressing the milestone, Darren Hardman, CEO of Microsoft UK & Ireland, highlighted the company’s investment of €1.8 billion in research and development in Ireland over the past decade. Hardman noted Microsoft’s collaboration with start-ups and local suppliers, reiterating Doyle’s announcement regarding the three-year investment in AI skilling initiatives. He pointed out that the event brought together Irish government, business, and industry leaders to review progress and discuss priorities for digital transformation.
“AI has the potential to add at least €250bn (£219bn) to Ireland’s GDP,” Hardman stated, positioning the technology as central to the nation’s future economic growth. As the discussions unfolded, both Doyle and Hardman expressed optimism about the opportunities ahead, with Doyle concluding her remarks by expressing eagerness to work with various stakeholders in what she described as a “transformative journey.”
The anniversary event not only celebrated the past four decades but also set the stage for future collaborations as Ireland navigates the evolving landscape of technology and AI. Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to investment in skills and innovation reflects a broader trend in the technology sector, where companies are increasingly aware of the necessity for responsible and inclusive growth in artificial intelligence.
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