it@cork recognised with prestigious European quality standard and receives ESCA BRONZE Label “Striving for Cluster Excellence”
it@cork are thrilled to announce that the organisation has been awarded with the prestigious European industrial cluster quality standard “BRONZE Label – Striving for Cluster Excellence” by the European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis (ESCA). The accreditation is supported by DG Enterprise and Industry (DG Growth) of the European Commission. This award is recognition of the work currently being undertaken by it@cork in the development and implementation of a world class ICT cluster in the south west of Ireland.
Speaking of the achievement, it@cork Cluster Manager, Eoghan O’Mahony commented:
We are absolutely delighted with this achievement and it is a testament to all the work it@cork has done with stakeholders and the tech industry in the region and internationally to develop and implement an impactful cluster development program. Over the past two years, we have enhanced and broadened collaboration activities between academia, industry and stakeholders through an expanded series of member networking events, training and upskilling courses through our Skillnet program as well as C level leadership forums.
Achieving bronze label cluster status will enable it@cork to better connect and collaborate with other European tech clusters which will especially benefit SMEs. With approximately 3,000 specialised clusters in Europe, accounting for 54 million jobs, it@cork is now better connected than ever with a vibrant and dynamic network of clusters with significant opportunity for partnerships and collaboration.
The accreditation further enhances the international reputation of Cork and the greater south west region as a thriving hub for ICT and recognises the role of it@cork in facilitating greater collaboration between the private sector, research institutions, academia, state agencies, and government bodies. With over 30,000 now employed in the ICT sector in the south west region, the sector is the now the largest employer and will play a crucial role in the recovery of the economy regionally and nationally.
Speaking on behalf of Enterprise Ireland, Martin Corkery, Regional Director for the South and South East Regions commented:
it@cork has made a significant contribution to the growth of the tech cluster in Cork and the south west since its formation over 20 years ago. The ESCA accreditation is further recognition of the crucial role that it@cork plays in developing the region as an attractive hub to start, innovate and grow a tech business. We look forward to working with it@cork over the coming years to facilitate greater collaboration between start-ups, smes, mncs and other stakeholders in the region in order to stimulate employment and economic growth.
Spokesperson for European Secretariat of Cluster Analysis, Helmut Kergel commented:
Analysing the data of it@cork it can be stated that the cluster initiative is well integrated in the Irish innovation system, providing valuable services and leading to well measurable effects on the enterprise’s level.
Claire Davis, Digital Officer, Cork City Council commented:
it@cork is an excellent example of an established innovative business cluster. it@cork plays a key role in supporting the growing digital and tech sector in Cork. We are delighted to see it@cork being recognised internationally with the receipt of the ESCA Bronze Label Accreditation for Cluster Excellence.
it@cork now joins an elite network of 22 recognised ICT clusters in Europe from countries like Denmark, Spain and Germany.
If you are interested in hearing more about this initiative and it@cork, please contact: admin@itcork.ie
