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	Lead a whole of government approach to developing the most competitive
	environment for investment, productivity and sustainable jobs growth.

We are the lead government Department championing the development of a competitive and conducive environment to promote enterprise and employment growth, to attract investment and to drive productivity growth. We provide a medium-to-longer term policy perspective on enterprise development and sustainable employment opportunities as well as progressing specific policy proposals based on strong, evidence based policy research.

We will work with other government departments and agencies that play a crucial role in delivering on a pro-business and supportive policy environment to ensure that Ireland is among the most competitive economies in the world, is responsive and agile in addressing the changing needs of enterprises and workers and that has a resilient and sustainable enterprise mix. Particular areas of focus will be tax, finance, infrastructure, trade, energy and climate change. Our enterprise policy ambition has informed Ireland’s National Planning Framework that was launched in February 2018. This framework, together with the aligned National Development Plan 2018-2027, are key instruments in creating quality places throughout Ireland that are attractive for business investment (both Irish and foreign owned) and entrepreneurship, and for people to live and work in. DBEI will play a key role in the development of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies, including through the refreshed Regional Action Plans for Jobs, working with stakeholders to ensure the key requirements are in place to realise the potential of our regions. Working collaboratively across government to support enterprise and jobs is particularly crucial in the context of Brexit, policy approaches under the current US administration, developments in international taxation, the uncertain trajectory of global growth, the pace of technological change and other challenges set out earlier.

We will continue to monitor and advise on the changing skills needs of the enterprise economy, in conjunction with the Department of Education and Skills and other providers. We will lead on ensuring Ireland responds to new business models, and market and technological developments to ensure we have the best environment for attracting the next wave of investment and growing foreign earnings as set out in Enterprise 2025 Renewed. We will continue to implement Ireland’s second National Plan on Corporate Social Responsibility 2017-2020 ‘Towards Responsible Business’ in partnership with the business community and the broader public sector.

We will progress policy proposals and advocate the enterprise perspective across Government through active engagement in Senior Officials Groups and support for Cabinet Committees and through our analysis and research support for groups such as the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and the National Competitiveness Council.

Outcomes

Strong alignment between public policy and the requirements of a competitive, export-oriented and productive enterprise base that maximises the potential for jobs, investment and foreign earnings growth.

Alignment between investment in infrastructure and enterprise needs that enhances the competitiveness and productivity of regions.

Alignment between talent and skills supply and demand, including in company upskilling.

A top five small countries in the world competitiveness ranking.

Greater access to required finance for growth at competitive cost.

Achieving a fair and balanced approach to addressing our 2030 climate change targets, whilst minimising the competitiveness impact and fostering opportunities for growth in the green economy.

Maximising the growth potential of the Digital Economy and EU Digital Single Market, achieving better access for consumers and businesses to digital goods and services across Europe.