More than half of parents in Ireland value the role of technology in preparing children for the future workplace. A new survey commissioned by STEM South West, a not-for-profit that promotes STEM education and careers, reveals that 58% of parents of children under 18 see technology as essential for equipping the next generation with the skills they need for the future. However, some groups – particularly younger adults – are more sceptical, with many believing that technology is a distraction.
These results were published to coincide with the launch of the STEM South West Expo 2025, where PepsiCo are platinum sponsors, will take place on 20th November at Cork City Hall. The FREE full-day event which will be open to schools only in the morning, and then to the public from 4pm-7pm.
It will celebrate and showcase innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths, bringing together students, parents, educators, and industry leaders from across the South West Region. Attendees will explore hands-on exhibits, and interactive displays that demonstrate how STEM is shaping Ireland’s future, with everything from robotics to AI, VR to AR and more being showcased.
STEM South West estimates that at least 35% of Ireland’s 972,000 primary and secondary students[1] will need to pursue STEM education to meet future workforce requirements.
Overall, just over half of respondents to the new survey believe technology is preparing children for the future, but the research found significant differences in viewpoints by age, gender, socio-economic background and region. Experts at STEM SW say these findings highlight a growing debate about the role of technology in childhood learning and development.
Highlights from the STEM South West Survey
- Generational divide: While 63% of 25 -34 year-olds believe technology is preparing children for the future, only 46% of 18 -24 year-olds said the same. The remainder view it as more of a distraction.
- Gender gap: 58% of men say technology equips children for the workplace compared with 45% of women.
- Socio-economic contrast: 56% of ABC1 respondents (higher SES) believe technology is preparing children, whereas 54% of C2DE respondents believe it is a distraction – suggesting concerns about unequal access or overreliance on digital tools.
- Regional variation: 52% of those in Munster and 54% in Dublin say technology is preparing children, compared with just 45% in Connacht and Ulster. The rest of Leinster aligned closely with the national average at 52%.
Mary Good, Chair of STEM South West, spoke at the launch of the 2025 Expo,
“These findings highlight the diversity of opinion across Ireland. Older millennials, who are embedded in tech-driven workplaces, may see the benefits, while younger adults, particularly those still in education, may be more aware of technology’s downsides, from screen addiction to overreliance”.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was present at the launch, added that,
“Technology is an essential part of how we live and work. We need to teach children how to use it intelligently, creatively, and safely. From coding and digital design to problem-solving and data literacy, these are the skills that will define the future workforce.”
Skills for the Future:
The STEM South West survey also explored which skills people believe will be most valuable for the next generation:
When asked, “Which skill will be most valuable for the next generation?”
- Creativity and problem-solving emerged as the top priority (37%).
- Followed closely by adaptability and lifelong learning (35%).
- Technical STEM knowledge rated highest by 28% of respondents.
- Age Differences: 18 -24-year-olds prioritised technical STEM knowledge most, with 41% selecting it as the most important skill, just 13% of 25–34-year-olds felt this way. Instead, this slightly older group placed greatest emphasis on creativity and problem-solving (53%), suggesting a possible generational shift in perception.
- Gender Differences: Men were slightly more likely than women to see technical STEM knowledge as critical (30% vs 25%), while women tended to emphasise creativity and adaptability.
- Parents showed a fairly even split across all three skill areas, underlining the perception around the complexity of preparing children for a future where both technical expertise and soft skills are necessary.
- Regional Perspectives: Munster respondents showed a balanced view across all three skill areas (technical knowledge 31%, creativity 33%, and adaptability 34%), giving slightly more weight to adaptability. In contrast, Dublin (42%) and Connacht/Ulster (45%) ranked creativity highest, reflecting perhaps the influence of urban innovation hubs and exposure to industries that prioritise problem-solving and creative thinking.
“This feedback suggests that younger adults may be focused on immediate career prospects and educational exposure, while those with more professional experience understand the growing importance of creativity and adaptability in a rapidly changing workplace,” said Ms. Good. “But in reality, the future will demand all three – creativity, adaptability, and strong technical STEM knowledge.
“In a world where AI and automation are taking over routine tasks, the human skills of problem-solving, critical thinking and innovation become even more valuable. STEM education sits at the heart of that balance. It gives young people the tools to understand technology, to use it responsibly and imaginatively, and to apply it in ways that improve our world, whether in healthcare, energy, climate, or beyond.”
“The ability to think creatively, analyse data, and adapt to constant change is what will truly set this generation apart. That’s why fostering STEM skills isn’t just about preparing students for future jobs; it’s about empowering them to shape the future itself.”
STEM South West Expo 2025
Since its launch, the Expo has become a cornerstone of Ireland’s STEM education calendar. In 2024, 88% of student attendees said they were more likely to pursue STEM subjects after taking part.
Ms. Good explained:
“The Expo is not just about showing technology; it’s about inspiring curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Students see how their skills apply in real-world contexts, how STEM can help tackle challenges like climate change, healthcare, housing, and energy – and why adaptability and creativity matter alongside technical expertise”.
“Ireland’s future as a global innovation leader depends on equipping the next generation with a combination of technical skills, creativity, and adaptability. This survey highlights both the opportunities and the gaps, and the Expo provides a platform to inspire students and give them the tools to succeed”.
STEM South West Expo 2025
Date: 20 November 2025 | Time: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (Schools only in the morning, General Public welcome with free tickets from 4pm – 7pm) | Location: Cork City Hall
Theme: Celebrating Innovation. Connecting Futures. Inspiring the Next Generation.