Two new reports highlight how digital transformation and converging technologies are key to the longer-term success of the Irish screen industries.
- The Digital Transformation in the Screen Industries report highlights the impact of digital transformation on the future of work in the creative screen industries in Ireland.
- Examines how leading organisations have integrated digital technologies, solutions and approaches into their operations providing case studies
- Highlighting future opportunities and challenges within the Screen sector.
- Report recommends the development of a Screen Industries Innovation Lab (SIIL) to drive innovation, enable collaboration, and support Ireland’s capacity to compete internationally to create jobs and help build a sustainable talent pipeline.
November 1 2022 Two new reports funded through Skillnet Ireland’s Industry Insights series, highlight how digital transformation and converging technologies are key to the longer-term success of the Irish screen industries. The Digital Transformation in the Screen Industries report was commissioned by Animation Skillnet and carried out by Strategic Innovation Partners. A Feasibility Study for a Screen Industry Innovation Lab (SIIL) was commissioned by Screen Skillnet and carried out by Tech Ireland.
Michael Culligan, CEO at Furthr at Furthr said: “Since 1988, Furthr (formerly DublinBIC) has provided ambitious founders with everything they need to start and scale their businesses. From our deep engagement with creative companies who call the Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC) home to overseeing the three creative Skillnet Networks (Animation Skillnet, Screen Skillnet and Immersive Technologies Skillnet), Furthr are excited to see the launch of these two new reports which provides further evidence that embracing technology and upskilling talent is critical to creating a global competitive advantage for the creative industries.”
Tracey Donnery, Executive Director, Policy and Communications at Skillnet Ireland, said: “Ireland’s creative screen sectors are expected to grow rapidly over the coming decade. Skillnet Business Networks within these sectors provide extensive support to companies in developing the technical skills of businesses and workers in animation, digital screen and immersive technology sectors. These reports offer industry insights into innovative ways to continue developing a sustainable talent pipeline within the creative sectors to support this growth.’
The Digital Transformation in the Screen Industries report finds that for Ireland to continue its role as a global leader in the creative screen industries, it is vital that the talent base reflects not just the current business demands, but also the challenges of future growth in existing and new markets.
This report provides a number of action-oriented case studies on the impact of digital transformation on the future of work in the creative screen industries in Ireland. By examining the way in which a number of leading organisations have integrated digital technologies, solutions and approaches into their operations, it is intended that a better understanding of both the opportunities and challenges will emerge. The case studies further explore key drivers, outcomes and results of the changes, challenges encountered and lessons learned to inform future practice.
The case studies cover four key areas:
- Virtual and digital production
- Digital creativity and collaboration
- Digital and online learning
- Digital distribution and consumption
The report’s author Laurie Knell, Director, Strategic Innovation Partners, notes “We are thrilled to be launching the Digital Transformation in the Screen Industries report today. Ultimately the report finds that successful longer-term digital transformation requires constant learning and adaptation. Organisations which undertake digital transformation must constantly seek to implement, learn, iterate and refine their digital processes and associated offerings. Working with Animation Skillnet on the project, we could really see the vital role that organizations such as Skillnet Ireland play in the future of work”.
The Feasibility Study for SIIL undertaken with enterprise within the sector reveals there is overwhelming support for a Screen Industries Innovation Lab; an umbrella space for the screen industries of film, animation, games, augmented and virtual reality technologies to come together to drive innovation, enable collaboration, and make Ireland a global leader in the future of content production.
Overall, the study finds that the SIIL project is a worthy and worthwhile one that is sorely needed by industry which could contribute to several tech sectors that have exciting potential for growing Irish jobs and exports.
The consensus is that SIIL should focus on Training, Research, Information Sharing, and Collaboration, with physical and online elements. The study also suggests that the physical space(s) would ideally be co- located with digital production training facilities and research facilities. The online element should focus on the meeting of minds, fostering a network for cooperation and collaboration and building a community.
The report outlines the importance of engagement and investment from all key stakeholders would be essential for the establishment a centre to support a sustainable business model.
Speaking ahead of the launch John O’Dea, CEO, Tech Ireland who authored the report says “Our research involved both a qualitative and quantitative approach. The study is based on an industry survey of more than 70 Irish businesses, as well as interviews with over 40 industry experts, both here and abroad. We are also extremely grateful for the support and input from the expert steering group from across the screen sectors. We hope this report is a useful first step towards realising SIIL, a creatively focused but technologically driven incubator for the Irish creative sector”
Commissioned by Animation Skillnet, Screen Skillnet and Immersive Technologies Skillnet, and supported by Skillnet Ireland, both reports were launched at the Emerging Futures: Creative Content, Technology & Innovation in the Screen Sector Programme at Further Fest in the Convention centre Dublin.
Full Digital Transformation in the Screen Industries report is available to view here.
Full Feasibility Study for SIIL report is available to view here.