There has been much discussion over the last year on the notion of a “smart economy” and how this offers a lifeline to an Ireland that has been more impacted by the recession than most nations. Herein lies the theme for the “Innovate Media” conference, at the Institute of Art Design and Technology (IADT), on Wednesday 16th December 2009.
The half-day conference will examine how the digital media and creative software industries, which are being citied as key pillars of the smart economy, can contribute to both the global and national economy in the coming years.
According to the Martin Hogan, manager of IADT’s digital media incubation facility Media Cube; “Exactly a year ago the Taoiseach met with the social partners to reinforce the government’s view that the path to Ireland’s economic renewal rested with the smart economy.
“Ireland has the potential to be a leader in the field of digital technology but only if a well defined national plan designed to encourage digital entrepreneurs is implemented. To date I haven’t seen this.”
Digital Media has developed to be a very broad term incorporating the creation and dissemination of all digital content. Companies that are involved in e-learning, published media, gaming, animation, film, television, music, mobile, telecom network operators, and software in many sectors all form part of the digital media industry.
“The government is focusing on areas that it has identified as contributing to the development of this sector in Ireland such as progressing the building of an International Creative Services Centre. The Innovate Medai conference will examine a range of industry views on what can assist Ireland in fast-tracking the growth of its digital industries,” Hogan continues.
Speakers at the event will include dotcom entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den host Sarah Newman, Paul Rellis, Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland, Joan Mulvihill, new CEO of the Irish Internet Association, David Harvey, Founder of City Channel and Martin Curley, Global Director of Intel Labs Europe.
Well known entrepreneurs such as Dermot Desmond and director, Neil Jordan, raised the profile of Ireland as a centre for creativity and excellence in the arts during the state-hosted economic forum in Farmleigh last September.
“There is a lot of creative business talent in Ireland that forms the basis of a vibrant and expanding digital media sector. If we get the support and incentivisation structure right, the future for Ireland is very positive,” Hogan concludes.
The Innovate Media ’09 conference is free to attendees and more information is available at www.mediacube.ie/innovatemedia
