Encouraging high-tech development in a recession

Ireland must preserve its inventiveness now more than ever, writes JAMES DYSON

IRELAND HAS an inventive history. As the Government makes some tough economic decisions, it needs to nurture this creativity and turn it into patentable, high-tech exports.

I launched my vacuum cleaner during one of the worst recessions. People thought I was mad, but I was convinced of the long-term appeal of better technology. People want a machine that works and a machine that lasts.

Developing high-tech in a recession, though, is risky. It requires creativity and determination.

Governments can help, creating an attractive place to do business, whether that’s by setting a competitive corporation tax rate or incentivising research through a generous RD tax credit. Businesses should try to attract – and retain – the best people to make discoveries: the next software breakthrough or life-altering pharmaceutical. Inventions can’t turn into exports on their own.

In many ways, the UK can learn from Ireland. A more favourable tax rate is enticing for business, while high-tech industries have grown by 9.4 per cent in the last year. Ireland knows how valuable an export economy is.

However, both countries face similar challenges too. While an attractive proposition for business helps in Ireland, it needs to be balanced with developing talent. It is a long-term endeavour and it starts at school.

Encouraging young people to get hands-on in the classroom and experiment is not just good fun. They learn by making mistakes and see how exciting science and engineering can be. Ireland, like Britain, lags behind China, South Korea and much of Europe when it comes to design and technology.

The drop in maths standards has alarmed the Irish engineering industry. We need to be quicker off the mark. Ten years ago, Germany discovered that its education system was full of failures and it got on with change. It could now lead the euro zone to recovery.

My foundation works with schools and universities, in Britain, Ireland and elsewhere, to encourage young people to choose technology, engineering and science. Irish entries to the annual James Dyson Award are proof of ingenuity.

In the last two years, at least one Irish invention has made it to the top 20 shortlist. A University of Limerick student entered a treadmill design that teaches disabled children to walk within a few months.

A bold solution, but technically strong too.

The award is about good design, solving real problems in a clever, different way. I’ve hired a number of Irish graduates, including one of the Irish national winners of the award. Engineers need creativity to invent something and technical skill to prove it. Companies need them to invent leading technology and governments need them to encourage economic growth. We’re struggling to find them, but we’re not alone.

I admire Ireland’s approach to business. It is competitive, technology hungry and highly specialised.

It has one of the best higher education systems in the world and a talent for creating useful exports. Now is the time for the Government to think long-term about its qualities and turn misfortune to advantage.

James Dyson is the inventor of the dual cyclone bagless vacuum cleaner