Ireland ranked first in the world for inward investment quality and value

12 Dec 2013

Ireland has been ranked first in the world for inward investment in terms of quality and value and first in Europe for the number of investment jobs per capita, according to the latest IBM Global Location Trends report.

Ireland was ranked second in the world for the number of investment jobs per capita.

The IBM Global Location Trends report is an annual report which analyses and outlines key trends in corporate location selection and foreign investment.

The data is derived from IBM’s Global Investment Locations Database (GILD), which tracks announcements by companies on their location decisions throughout the year.

The report follows on the heels of a Forbes survey which ranked Ireland as the best place in the world to do business.

“I am pleased to see Ireland continuing to be the top performer in the world for quality and value of investment, resulting from Ireland’s success in attracting research and development (R&D) activities in life sciences and ICT coupled with high-value investment in financial services,” said IDA Ireland chief executive Barry O’Leary. 

“Ireland continues to benefit from its highly competitive business environment and sectoral strengths.

“Ireland’s ranking as a leading destination for inward investment in Europe highlights our attractiveness for companies considering a location for their FDI operations. This survey reminds us of the international and highly competitive nature of FDI.  

“The IDA’s global team will pursue FDI opportunities vigorously in 2014 to ensure we achieve the goals and targets as outlined in Horizon 2020,” O’Leary added.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com