Digital Business Ireland (DBI ) has welcomed the launch of the Government's National Digital Strategy, announced by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, this week.
The representative body had previously called for enhanced supports to be provided to SMEs to fund greater digital adoption, as part of its pre-Budget 2022 submission.
DBI stated: "Harnessing Digital - The Digital Ireland Framework, seeks to position Ireland as a global leader in the field by driving digital transformation across the economy and society. Overall, the Government aims to equip 90% of all SMEs with a basic digital intensity by 2030. The Strategy also outlined an aspiration of achieving a 75% enterprise take up in cloud, AI and data. In order to meet these targets, the programme will: (1 ) Make connectivity available to all through the National Broadband Plan, Remote Working Hubs and Broadband Connection points; (2 ) Ensure widespread access and use of inclusive digital public services with a target of 90% of services to be consumed online by 2030; (3 ) Invest in cyber-security by supplying additional resources to the National Cyber Security Centre and (4 ) Help small businesses benefit from digital opportunities by providing grants and assistance
"Since its foundation, Digital Business Ireland has been at the forefront of the campaign to accelerate digitalisation across the SME sector - with its most recent ‘Backing Business’ initiative providing five small businesses with digital transformation packages to the value of €100,000. While the representative body is encouraged by the rate of digital adoption among SMEs over the last two years, and has welcomed the publication of the National Digital Strategy, it warns that there is still a significant disparity between the digital functionality of large, multinational enterprises and indigenous Irish businesses.
"In order to bridge this gap, Digital Business Ireland has encouraged the Government to build on the proactive steps taken in launching the Strategy, and continue to engage with industry stakeholders in prioritising digital. DBI is also keen to work collaboratively with all stakeholders in continuing to advance the national digital agenda and play a proactive role in supporting the implementation of the programme objectives for SMEs outlined in the Strategy."
