FORMER INTEL chief executive Craig Barrett has been appointed chairman of the Irish Technology Leadership Group, a Silicon Valley-based network of Irish-American businesspeople.
The group seeks to foster links between Irish technology firms and potential investors, partners and customers in the US.
It is also seeking to raise a $100 million venture capital fund for a related venture, Irish Technology Capital.
Speaking to The Irish Timesyesterday, Dr Barrett said he always had a "warm spot" for Ireland. His grandmother was born in Co Tyrone and Dr Barrett worked closely with Intel's facility in Co Kildare during his time at the top of the firm.
“Ireland is now facing the same challenges as the US – how to compete with the rest of the world, particularly Asia,” said Dr Barrett.
He said developed nations had to invest in education, new ideas, and creating an environment that encourages young people to become entrepreneurs.
“Ireland doesn’t have to be exactly like Silicon Valley but has to have similar characteristics,” said Dr Barrett. “You can’t just throw money at universities – you have to create an environment that will take those ideas out into the commercial world.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, who invited Dr Barrett to participate in the Farmleigh economic forum last September, welcomed the appointment.
It emerged yesterday that the Government has provided the leadership group with €200,000 since it was established in 2007 by senior US technology executives.
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