Joanne Morrissey
HR Director, Microsoft Ireland
AI is the defining technology of our time and it will unlock new possibilities for people, industries, and society. In this era of AI, Ireland is uniquely positioned to benefit as a global hub for investment, innovation, and, above all, talent.
Ireland is renowned for the quality and depth of its workforce, with a strong pipeline of professionals in engineering, data science, and cybersecurity. With the highest level of third-level attainment and the most STEM graduates per capita in the EU, the country is fostering the expertise needed to drive AI innovation.
Access to this talent and the steady stream of graduates from local universities has been central to Microsoft’s growth in Ireland over the past 40 years. Building on that success, we are creating 550 new engineering and R&D roles in Ireland over the next three to four years to pioneer AI technologies. Our growing team at Microsoft Ireland’s Engineering Hub is shaping the future of AI and using it in a way that benefits society at scale.
One of Ireland’s greatest strengths is the agility of its workforce—a critical trait in the era of AI. According to the Labour Market Pulse from IDA Ireland, Microsoft, and LinkedIn, Ireland’s AI talent pool grew by over 500% between 2016 and 2022, while half of all organisations are already using generative AI in some form.
As AI transforms industries, the ability to gather, analyse, and interpret information is becoming increasingly valuable. Ireland’s workforce excels in these areas, making it well-equipped to leverage AI for innovation, problem-solving, and collaboration.
However, to sustain this momentum, ongoing investment in lifelong learning and upskilling is essential. The fast pace of AI evolution means that today’s skills must continuously adapt to meet future demands.
At Microsoft Ireland, we are committed to playing our part. Through our Skill Up Ireland programme, we are helping learners and communities across the country develop the skills needed to thrive in the AI era. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, we can ensure that Ireland remains a leader in the global digital economy, attracting investment and shaping the future of AI-driven innovation.