Tag: 2024

New €16 million ‘Work IQ’ Innovation Centre opening in Tallaght in early 2024

A €16 million purpose-built innovation centre, Work IQ, situated in Tallaght’s newly developed Innovation Quarter is on track to open early next year.  Enquiries are now being taken at www.workiq.ie to register interest in becoming part of the Work IQ community through the various services on offer.  

The four-storey, 2,980m2 building offers three floors of flexible office accommodation to support businesses, local entrepreneurs, start-ups or SMEs.  The centre also features a range of communal facilities on the ground floor, including meeting rooms and a public café facing directly onto a stunning new urban plaza.

Work IQ will accommodate up to 60 businesses and play a major role in developing start-up enterprises in order to support the creation of over 700 jobs worth €80m to the economy.  Key features of this cutting-edge facility designed as a hub for businesses that are serious about innovation, technology and scaling-up will include:

·     Private and shared office space and co-working options

·     A variety of meeting and conference rooms and an on-site café

·     Tailored business support including training, mentoring, funding support and skills development

·     Regular onsite networking events, workshops and innovation showcases

·     Collaboration opportunities through partners including the Local Enterprise Office Enterprise Ireland, South Dublin Chamber, Technological University Dublin, Tallaght University Hospital and the South Dublin County’s many major multinational businesses

Work IQ will be the first Irish centre run by Oxford Innovation Space, the organisation responsible for managing the largest network of innovation centres in the UK, housing over 1,000 innovative early-stage businesses.

Speaking in advance of the opening of Work IQ, Colm Ward, Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council said:

“Our new Work IQ facility will provide start-ups and entrepreneurs with workspaces and opportunities in a place designed to support business growth and development.  It will be a hub for the community, businesses and entrepreneurs to come together and collaborate, innovate and progress in a really strong supportive environment provided through our exciting partnership with Oxford Innovation Space.  We are passionate about fostering innovation, encouraging talent and providing support to young companies in the emerging Innovation Quarter in Tallaght to develop a pipeline of great new businesses with lots to offer Tallaght and South Dublin County.”

Strategically located on land owned by South Dublin County Council in Tallaght Town Centre, Work IQ is a key part of a new urban district called Innovation Quarter Tallaght being developed by the Council that also includes a new cost rental apartment scheme (which, along with Work IQ, will be served by the Tallaght District Heating Scheme, Heatworks) and a new public park called Innovation Square.  The €16 million project is funded by the Council, with significant support from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.

The building was designed for South Dublin County Council by a multi-disciplinary team led by McCullough Mulvin Architects and its delivery will complement a combined investment of over €80m in infrastructure projects in the centre of Tallaght, including the aforementioned Innovation Quarter, new link roads, major public realm enhancement, a fourth stand at Tallaght Stadium (making it a 10,000-seater, UEFA Category 4 stadium capacity) and a proposed new Heritage Centre.

“We are thrilled to bring the expertise of Oxford Innovation Space to Work IQ and Ireland,” said Jo Stevens, Managing Director, Oxford Innovation Space. “Our mission is to create an environment where innovative ideas flourish, and entrepreneurs have the support they need to turn their visions into reality. We look forward to contributing to the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape and being a catalyst for economic growth in the Tallaght community.”

Work IQ is set to open in Spring 2024 and will mark a significant milestone in the Council’s mission to create spaces that inspire and empower the innovators of tomorrow.

Register your interest in renting a workspace or joining a community of innovators, thinkers, entrepreneurs and creatives at www.workiq.ie.

Dublin City wins the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024

The European Commission has announced that Dublin City has won the Smart Tourism Capital Award designation for 2024.

The announcement was made today in Brussels.

“We are delighted that Dublin has been awarded the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism. This designation is a recognition of our commitment to deliver a greener, more accessible, inclusive and innovative Dublin, for both our visitors and locals. Our Smart Tourism programme, which was established in 2019 has been sharing, collaborating, and learning from some of the best cities in Europe and embedding this best practice in our own work through our new Tourism Strategy 2023-2023. We will proudly use this designation as a platform to deliver an innovative approach to tourism for Dublin.” – Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive, Dublin City Council.

There were 30 candidates spanning 17 countries with six cities short-listed: Bremerhaven (Germany), Cork (Ireland), Dublin (Ireland), Genoa (Italy), Helsingborg (Sweden), and San Sebastián (Spain), all had their submissions evaluated by an expert judging panel. Following this competitive process, the judging panel recognised that Dublin has embedded best Smart Tourism practices from across Europe through its collaborations with other cities and the publication of its first five-year tourism strategy with a strong focus on innovation.

New experiences such as 14 Henrietta Street, EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum as well as digital innovations such as the Dublin Discovery Trails App separated Dublin from the other applicants. Dublin has also committed to sustainability by being the first Irish city to sign the Glasgow Declaration on Sustainable Tourism. Dublin also impressed the judges through its vision to become the world’s first autism friendly city by 2026.

“This city immersed in a rich tapestry of history, is a city full of culture and creativity. Now hailed for its commitment to sustainability and a strategic smart tourism vision and outstanding achievements, it has impressed the jury. Over the past year, this city has actively engaged people in decision-making, creating a destination that resonates with its people and embraces innovation at the same time. The city’s networking efforts with previous winners reflect a dedication to collaboration, leadership and innovation, and a beating European heart,” the European Commission judging panel said.

The new Dublin City Council Tourism Strategy 2023-2028 is due to be launched this Thursday 30th November 2023.

Salaries to remain flat in 2024

The ‘great resignation’ becomes the ‘big stay’ in 2024 as just 36% of professionals consider exploring new job opportunities

The Morgan McKinley 2024 Irish Salary Guide – Ireland’s most comprehensive analysis of current pay across a range of professions and sectors – has been published.

Morgan McKinley, the Irish-owned global talent services company, anticipates that salaries in most professional areas will see little to no significant change into 2024, closely mirroring an expected inflation rate of around 3%, following also from significant pay increases in recent years.

Nevertheless, there will be notable deviations from this trend in specialised positions and industries facing skills shortages. In these sectors, professionals with significantly in-demand skills could potentially expect salary increases of up to 15%, underscoring the strong competition organisations will encounter as they seek to attract top talent in these areas.

Detailed commentary follows below including key sectoral considerations and currently most in-demand skills/ roles:

Trayc Keevans, Global FDI Director, Morgan McKinley Ireland, said:

“The professional job market in Ireland faced significant challenges in 2023, characterised by fierce competition, talent migration, rising salaries, evolving job seeker dynamics, skills shortages, changing work preferences, and a growing emphasis on transversal skills.

“Morgan McKinley’s Global Hiring Realities Survey, conducted across eight global locations, including Ireland, Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and the UK, highlighted the intense competition in the job market. A staggering 80% of Irish organisations encountered hiring challenges in 2023, creating difficulties in retaining existing employees. A remarkable 72% of Irish employers admitted losing staff within the past six months, mainly due to struggles in competing with pay and benefits offered by competitors and unmet employee expectations regarding more flexible working arrangements.

“The loss of staff occurred despite 44% of Irish employers increasing salaries within their organisations over the past six months. Ireland stood out as second only to the UK in terms of salary increases. In addition, 71% of surveyed employers provided some form of company bonus in 2023, with only China and Singapore reporting higher percentages in this regard. The survey also revealed that 69% of hiring managers plan to raise salary offers for specific hard-to-fill roles in 2024.

“Skills shortages have been a significant challenge, with 40% of employers struggling to find candidates with the right skills for their job openings. To address this, organisations are rethinking their hiring strategies and exploring alternative methods for identifying and nurturing required talent. Close to 80% of employers believe that offering flexible working arrangements is the most effective strategy for attracting new talent, a sentiment shared with Canada. This is closely followed by the significance of providing career advancement prospects, offering competitive salaries, and evaluating prospective employees based on their potential rather than solely their experience.

“In 2023, the hybrid working model remained prevalent. However, over a quarter of employers acknowledged losing out on potential hires due to their inability to meet remote and hybrid work expectations. 42% of employers are now encouraging their employees in Ireland to return to the office more frequently. The main motivations behind this shift include enhancing employee collaboration, strengthening company culture, and boosting overall performance. Only 8% of employees expressed a desire to work in the office five days a week. In contrast, 50% of surveyed Irish employees are open to accepting a reduced salary in exchange for the work flexibility they desire.

“As we look ahead to the next year, the salary landscape for most professional fields appears set to remain stable, tracking closely with an estimated inflation rate of around 3%. However, it’s important to recognise that this status quo will not apply across all professional jobs. In certain niche positions and industries facing severe skills shortages, we can expect notable deviations from this standard. These sectors will diverge from the broader trend, presenting more pronounced salary increases of up to 15% for professionals with highly sought-after skills, primarily in pockets of Technology, Engineering, Construction, Life Sciences, and Financial Services sectors.

“Furthermore, we’re observing a notable shift in the job-seeking behaviour of Irish professionals, indicating that the ‘Great Resignation’, a term coined to describe the surge in employees leaving their jobs, may be subsiding. Our research reveals that only 36% of professionals surveyed are planning to actively explore new employment opportunities within the next six months. This marks a 17% decline from the previous year, reflecting a change in the mindset of professionals. We are witnessing a shift towards more cautious decision-making, particularly as professionals assess the job market amidst ongoing economic uncertainties.

“We anticipate that employers’ focus for hiring in 2024 will be two-fold. Companies will continue to adopt a discerning approach to recruitment, carefully assessing the necessity of each replacement before making hiring decisions and ensuring that such hires are productive and add value to the bottom line. Secondly, we expect leaders to concentrate on retaining their talent and matching the expectations of their employees around flexible working practices, career advancement opportunities, and a supportive company culture.”

Sectoral Highlights:

Accounting and Finance

Most in demand positions for 2024: Newly Qualified Accountant in Big 4/Top 10 Firms, Senior Accountant, Tax Accountant, Tax Manager, Finance Business Partner/ FP&A Manager.

The Accounting and Finance sector in Ireland encountered numerous challenges throughout 2023. Despite the constraints, organisations continued to hire, showing a preference for temporary roles over permanent and fixed-term contracts. However, there were fewer available positions compared to previous years when hiring reached unprecedented levels.

Indications towards the latter end of 2023, show optimistic plans to return to hiring activities across a wide range of sectors. Senior professionals can expect their salaries to remain relatively stable, primarily owing to the limited availability of job openings and reduced competitive pressure. Conversely, individuals within the range of Newly Qualified to 3 years PQE can look forward to increased compensation, driven by a talent deficit exacerbated by emigration. These patterns are expected to persist into 2024.

There will be more of a focus on hiring professionals with strong transversal skills with an emphasis on stakeholder management as navigating a hybrid working environment continues. Additionally, those accounting and finance professionals skilled in Big Data analytics, data management and Big Data reporting will be in highest demand in 2024 as transactional work will continue to become automated.

Accountants will play a wider role in developing and implementing ESG reporting strategies and we expect to see greater demand for accountants for ESG reporting through 2024.

Banking and Financial Services

Most in demand positions for 2024: Pension administrators, Claims Specialists, Risk Managers, Insurance Commercial Brokers, Insurance Underwriters, Treasury Managers and Treasury Analysts.

Throughout 2023, the Banking and Financial Services sector remained active, characterised by a significant surge in contract hiring. Skill shortages, especially in roles requiring in-demand expertise and experience, made professionals with relevant qualifications particularly sought after. However, the reduction in new roles in the market throughout 2023 has shifted the balance of power toward hiring companies.

Growing risks in climate change will continue to drive increased demand for claims and underwriting professionals throughout 2024 with claims administrators, claims assessors, claims handlers and insurance underwriters all anticipated to be in high demand.

Salaries within the sector have remained stable due to the reduction in available positions, which has lessened the competitive hiring landscape. This change implies that job seekers may need to reassess their salary expectations when seeking new opportunities.

Technology

Most in demand positions for 2024: Software Developer, Web Developer, DevOps/Cloud Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, QA Engineer/ SDET, Cloud Infrastructure Engineer, Information Security Specialist, Operation Technology Security Specialist, Security Architect, Solutions Architect, Enterprise Architect, Data Analyst, Data Scientist and Data Engineer.

The Technology market witnessed a temporary softening in the middle of 2023, which led to a scarcity of roles. However, there was an overall increase in contract opportunities as organisations adopted a cautious yet optimistic approach. The sentiment among organisations is generally positive, with signs that hiring momentum is on the horizon in 2024.

The market indicates there will be a persistent need for cybersecurity professionals, particularly as the deadline for Member States to comply with the updated NIS 2 Directive approaches in October 2024. The demand for cybersecurity experts is rising, leading to a rapid expansion in the talent pool, which has grown by 35% year on year.

In 2023, tech salaries in Ireland saw modest increases, impacted by inflation and a talent shortage, resulting in a supply and demand effect. Counteroffers became more common, with employers offering top-performing professionals salary hikes of 15-20% to retain them. For 2024, salary increases are expected to stabilise in most fields as tech talent increasingly shows a willingness to accept reduced pay in exchange for fully remote work options. It’s worth noting that the technology sector remains the most open to remote work among employers.

Legal, Risk, and Compliance

Most in demand positions for 2024: Corporate Lawyer, Energy Lawyers, Data Protection/Privacy Lawyer, Employment Lawyer, Investment Funds Lawyer, Company Secretary, Risk Analyst, Claims Handler, Risk Manager, Model Risk Analyst, Compliance Manager, Chief Compliance Officer, Compliance Regulatory Officer, and Financial Crime Officer.

In 2023, the Legal, Risk, and Compliance sectors encountered talent shortages and struggled with prolonged hiring processes focused on specific skill sets and experience.

Global geopolitical factors such as the war in Ukraine and escalating conflict in Israel-Gaza has had a knock-on impact on the requirement for legal services as corporate lawyers will continue to be in high demand in 2024 to navigate business challenges such as supply chain/logistics disruptions, economic volatility caused by inflationary pressures, suspending of operations in certain countries etc.

Additionally, the EU’s commitment to climate neutrality by 2050 and global efforts to decarbonise the economy are creating opportunities for energy lawyers, making them highly sought after in 2024.

Looking ahead to 2024, there’s optimism for improved economic conditions and more flexible budget constraints, potentially leading to increased hiring. However, it is expected that salaries will remain unchanged, as post-COVID raises have already been incorporated into compensation packages.

Life Sciences and Engineering

Most in demand positions for 2024: Quantity Surveyor, Site Engineer, Construction Project Manager, Resident Engineer / Project Supervisor, Health & Safety Officer, Process Engineer, Project Engineer, Automation Engineer, CQV Engineer, QA Specialist, Qualified Person (QP), Validation Engineer, QC Analyst, Laboratory Manager, and R&D Engineer.

Ireland remains an attractive location for biopharma investments, with a significant increase in Life Sciences research and development investments over the past 11 years. Multinationals like BD, Siemens Healthineers, Boston Scientific, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Meissner Corporation have made investments in this sector in 2023, with further growth anticipated in permanent and contract hiring, especially in contract roles.

The Engineering sector has seen consistent hiring, with a growing demand for senior-level positions to build a talent base before expanding junior roles. Increased investment in manufacturing and environmental sectors has boosted demand for professionals in these areas. Energy and Sustainability Engineers, with skills in LEAN and BREEAM, will be highly sought after in 2024 and beyond.

The return of the Irish diaspora and the influx of international talent, primarily from South Africa and India, are expected to continue in 2024, with a focus on planning and scheduling skills for large projects.

Skills shortages, particularly in automation, have posed hiring challenges. Electrical engineers have seen substantial salary increases (10%) due to their scarcity in the market. Salaries for construction professionals are expected to remain high in 2024 due to ongoing skills shortages, creating significant opportunities for recent graduates. For instance, newly qualified CAD designers could command €28k, fresh civil engineering graduates may secure €36k, and inexperienced Quantity Surveyors could earn a €40k salary. These graduate salaries are competing very favourably with other sectors which typically dictated the higher end of earning potential for new graduate salaries such as technology and investment management within financial services.

Supply Chain and Procurement

Most in demand positions for 2024: Planners, Procurement/Buyers, and Supply Chain Project Manager.

Recruitment in the supply chain and procurement sector maintained a consistent momentum throughout 2023, with a focus on permanent positions. However, a limited supply of talent led organisations to consider contractors to bridge immediate skills gaps. The majority of supply chain professionals typically come from outside Ireland, and the increased cost of living in the country has restricted the flow of professionals relocating for work.

The biggest skills gap going into 2024 exists in lower-level operator roles within the food and beverage industry where the existing workforce falls short of the industry’s demands. This discrepancy can be attributed to less favourable working conditions and comparatively lower remuneration when contrasted with alternative sectors and this is likely to be addressed in the coming year.

Demand in 2024 will also be high for supervisors in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food and beverage and we expect to see some salary inflation in this position.

While salary experienced an initial increase in early 2023, the evolving market dynamics resulted in stabilised rates. Professionals with niche expertise can still command salary increases when changing roles, but overall, salaries are predicted to be flat through 2024.

Business Support

Most in demand positions for 2024: Executive Assistant, Office Manager, Graduates, Office Administrator and Receptionist

Business support hiring in Ireland exhibited a significant uptick in long-term temporary roles, often managed through agencies. This trend reflects organisations with headcount constraints that still need to complete essential tasks. However, permanent recruitment faced challenges, with many companies exercising caution. The competition for experienced talent intensified, leading to longer interview processes.

It is anticipated that permanent salaries are unlikely to see significant changes in 2024. However, temporary and contract professionals may command higher hourly/ daily rates. This shift is driven by organisations showing more flexibility and offering competitive rates to attract short-term talent.

Executive Roles

Most in demand positions for 2024: CEO, COO, CFO, CTO and SVP Quality and in more niche positions such as Chief Growth Officer, Head of Sustainability/ESG, Chief Revenue Officer, Chief Transformation Officer, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Digital Officer.

In 2023, the executive job market displayed resilience despite fluctuations in demand across different sectors. The financial services sector maintained a strong demand for leaders with regulatory expertise and technological proficiency. Executives, while open to new opportunities, often preferred to retain their current positions, leading to extended negotiation periods and more frequent counteroffers.

The demands for hiring Executives in the new post pandemic world has expanded immeasurably, with C-Suite professionals now being hired for growth against a backdrop of digital transformation, agenda to strike a DEI balance and a requirement for a track record in leading remote teams. All of this coupled with an organisational need to be sustainable and profitable.

In 2024, we expect to see a continuation of the trend of organisations leaning more on data and analytics to identify the right leadership talent which resulted in greater collaboration with Executive Search Providers and availing of deep market mapping services.

HR

Most in demand Positions for 2024: HR Business Partner, HR Generalist, HR Administrator, HR Data analyst, Benefits Analyst and Rewards Manager.

In the HR field, the recruitment market faced challenges in the first half of 2023 due to an oversupply of senior talent acquisition professionals, particularly influenced by developments in Tech in the previous year. However, in 2024, HR professionals are expected to take on an expanded role, focusing on enhancing the overall employee experience, accommodating various work models (hybrid/ remote), and supporting employee development and well-being. This shift will require the presence of Strategic HR Business Partners to drive ethical growth and HR administrators to manage increased legislative and GDPR responsibilities. Salaries for HR professionals remained relatively stable, and this trend is anticipated to continue in 2024.

Multilingual

Most in demand Multilingual positions for 2024: Sales Development Representative, Account Executive, Customer Service Representative, Business Development Representative.

The multilingual job market remains adaptable to economic conditions and industry fluctuations, with increased demand in financial services and pharmaceutical sectors expected in 2024. Despite a marginal decrease in demand from the Tech sector in 2023, remote work and hybrid models continue to influence hiring decisions for this talent cohort. Multilingual candidates express a preference for flexible work options when choosing employers.

Attractive compensation and benefits play a significant role in attracting and retaining top talent in this segment.  We expect to see a slight uptick in salaries for Sales and Service-related positions in 2024, especially for languages in high demand, such as German, Dutch, and the Nordic languages.

Projects and Change

Most in demand positions for 2024: Project Managers – IT & Business, Programme Managers, Transformation Specialists, ERP PM & Programme and PMOs – Analysts, Leads, Managers.

In 2024, there is a strong demand for Projects, Strategy, and Change professionals to support various industry needs, including Tech Transformation, Automation, ERP System Upgrades, Leadership, Cultural Change, Cybersecurity, Operational Risk, Resilience, and Outsourcing Advisory.

These professionals have shown a growing preference for contract employment, a trend expected to continue through 2024 due to the anticipated demand for their skills in both the public and private sectors. Contracting offers financial advantages and flexibility, making it more appealing than permanent roles in this field. It enables organisations to manage fluctuations in business needs while accessing new capabilities.

Salary increases are the primary motivators for project and change professionals to change employers. While daily rates for Mid to Senior-level Project Managers and Business Analysts remained stable in 2023, transformation roles experienced salary boosts, a trend likely to continue into 2024.

Sales and Marketing

Most in demand positions for 2024: Sales Representative, Technical Sales Representative, Area Sales Manager, Business Development Manager, Sales Manager, Communications Manager, Brand Manager, Content Strategists, Digital Marketing Specialist/ Manager, Marketing Executive/Manager and Head of Marketing, Research Analyst

In 2023, Sales and Marketing recruitment remained stable, with a slight increase in the junior market. Multinationals hired less experienced sales talent and trained them to adapt to rapidly changing markets. However, enterprise sales professionals still preferred candidates with relevant experience.

In 2024, the focus is expected to shift toward sales performance, with a proven track record becoming a critical factor in hiring decisions. Market Research Analysts will also be in high demand as companies seek more insights for strategic growth.

Brand Managers with skills in design, social media marketing, digital marketing, content marketing, and market research will continue to be sought after in 2024. Content strategists are also expected to see increased demand as they help drive inbound traffic and foster customer loyalty, contributing to organisational growth. Value-based hiring will be a key consideration for all marketing hires in 2024.

Full Survey

Soccer Manager 2024 now available free on Android and iOS

The latest release in the world-renowned Soccer Manager game series, Soccer Manager 2024, is now available to download and play free for Android and iOS devices.

With over 60 million players since the company was established in 2004, Invincibles Studios’ Soccer Manager series has become a critically-acclaimed benchmark in the football management game genre. Soccer Manager 2024 establishes a new level of accuracy, immersion, and excitement for the series with the addition of groundbreaking new features and enhancement of existing core elements.

Soccer Manager 2024 players can take control at one of over 900 clubs in 54 leagues across 36 countries around the world. FIFPRO-licenced football players with accurate attributes can be bought, sold, and managed on a path to success. Along with transfers, players can choose training, tactics & formations for their team, as well as developing club facilities as they progress.

New this year, international teams can also be managed in major qualifiers and tournaments against the best international teams across the continent and indeed the world. Stunning match and environment visuals are available to enjoy, with player likenesses and animations never having looked so good!

If Soccer Manager fans want to truly prove their management credentials, then they can forge their own legend by creating a completely new club and starting at the bottom. By proving their management genius, players can succeed in ascending to the very top leagues and competitions with superstars they have bought, or wonderkids they have talent-spotted and grown into world-leading professionals.

“Soccer Manager 2024 is the ultimate mobile football management game, with unrivalled accuracy, immersion, and enjoyment,” said Invincibles Studio CEO, Chris Gore. “This new release in the Soccer Manager series offers a myriad of new gameplay features for our community, and welcomes every new player due to its accessible, easy-to-understand tutorials. This is the best Soccer Manager game ever released on mobile.”

Following the recent announcement of a multi-year licencing agreement with Manchester City, Soccer Manager 2024 features existing multi-year worldwide agreements with partners including but not limited to, the Deutsche Fußball Liga, our continued ambassador partnership with manager Mikel Arteta, and our wide-ranging FIFPRO player licence.

Gaming Trends: What should we be able to see throughout the industry in 2024 and beyond?

With technology continuing to have an impact on the way players game and the sessions that they are able to experience, there should not be any surprise that the industry is still looking to create new ways in which this form of entertainment is enjoyed.

Various technologies have been created over the years that have each managed to enhance any gaming session that generations of gamers have enjoyed, but developers know that it is an unforgiving industry as demands continue to be made.

Among those is the desire for immersive and realistic experiences. For many enthusiasts, there would be nothing better than to feel as though they are part of the title that is being played. While there have been advancements and strides made to make this happen, it is yet to be made available fully.

However, that should start to change in the near future, especially if technology continues to do its thing and create new ways in which we game and enhance any session that we enjoy to new heights.

What trends can we expect to see in 2024 and beyond?

Gaming technology continues to develop at an incredible rate; however, gamers know there are already technologies they can take advantage of and expect improvements over the course of a year or longer.

Mobile gaming has experienced tremendous growth over recent decades since smartphones and tablets came onto the scene, giving gamers access to apps or web browsers on mobile phones to download or access and enjoy their favorite titles while on the go with an internet connection.

5G internet continues to be advanced and further developed, meaning players will get better gaming sessions when connected to the internet. This should result in better experiences when playing mobile internet games, whether that be in the form of downloaded titles or the iGaming options that have been provided by a platform with an expert opinion on the sites that are available.

 

Elsewhere, we should expect to see drastic changes be made to the realism demands that gamers continue to have. This includes reality technologies, including virtual and augmented. These have been spoken about for years, and we should be getting even closer to being able to experience these more so in the years to come. These technologies promise the potential of taking the gaming industry to its newest heights and giving gamers something they have craved.

Cross-platform gaming should also continue to emerge and become more developed throughout the industry in the near future. There have been big games to already contain this feature, but with players likely to demand it as a standardized function in the future, game developers are likely to incorporate it within their newest releases to ensure they satisfy consumer demands.

Verdict

There is certainly a lot to look forward to in 2024 and beyond for gaming enthusiasts. Technology has long been a driving force for the industry, and it always will be. Most of these technologies are already available, but the years to come should allow them to finally realize and reach their potential, thus benefiting gamers all over the world.

Dublin city shortlisted for 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism award

Dublin City Council is delighted to announce that Dublin City has been shortlisted for the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism award. It is the second time Dublin has been shortlisted for the designation. Last year Dublin City Council also won the prestigious Tourism Innovation Award in Seville.

The shortlist was announced this morning by the European Commission.

From a pool of 30 candidates spanning 17 countries, the selected finalists for the European Capital of Smart Tourism are in alphabetical order, Bremerhaven (Germany), Cork (Ireland), Dublin (Ireland), Genoa (Italy), Helsingborg (Sweden), and San Sebastián (Spain). 

The European Capital of Smart Tourism recognises best practice and innovative tourism practices in European cities.  Dublin is one of the first European cities to prioritise a specific Smart Tourism programme.  Since 2020, Dublin City Council, Smart Dublin and Dublin City Council Culture Company have been working in partnership on Dublin’s first Smart Tourism Programme, with the aim of making the city a smart tourism destination, using the city’s expertise in technology to deliver a superior tourism experience.

Head of Dublin City’s Tourism Unit, Barry Rogers said:  “This shortlisting is a real recognition of many years of consistent collaboration and work across Dublin City Council, Smart Dublin and Dublin City Council Culture Company. This designation specifically recognises cities who are striving to be more digitally advanced, sustainable, accessible and more equitable for locals.   Dublin being shortlisted amongst these other leading destinations is a welcome benchmark of our own progress to date and provides many more opportunities for innovation and collaboration going forward. We very much look forward to representing Dublin in Brussels in our bid to become the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism”

Dublin’s Smart Tourism Initiative is a Dublin City Council programme, made in partnership with Smart Dublin and Dublin City Council Culture Company. The programme is led and governed by the Dublin City Tourism Unit and is underpinned by the Innovation pillar of the new Dublin City Council Tourism Strategy 2023-2028 which states: We recognise the enormous opportunity to blend our expertise in technology, culture and tourism to build a more future facing offer in Dublin. We will be a test-bed for innovation within the tourism industry in Dublin, ultimately creating more and better experiences for visitors.  

The goal of the Smart Tourism programme is to establish Dublin as a world-leading ‘Smart Destination’ through innovation, research and partnerships. The programme is responsible for the development of cutting edge visitor experiences such as the new Dublin Discovery Trails App. Last year Dublin City Council received the Digital and Innovation award at the Tourism Innovation Summit in Seville for its development of the Smart Tourism programme.

You can access a brief profile of each of the shortlisted cities here.

The European Capital of Smart Tourism award will be granted to the city that demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to shaping the future of sustainable and innovative tourism. The award also aims to foster networking and the fortification of destinations while facilitating the exchange of best practices in this field.

Following this stage, the finalists will be invited to present their proposals to a European Jury, tasked with selecting the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism. The chosen city will receive extensive support in communication and branding. This includes the creation of a promotional video, installation of a hashtag sculpture for public exhibition in the city, and the implementation of tailored promotional campaigns aimed at boosting visibility at both the EU and global levels, ultimately resulting in an increase in the number of visitors.

The competition welcomed participation from cities within the European Union and non-EU countries that are eligible to the Single Market programme. An impartial panel of experts conducted a thorough evaluation of the applications, and those applicants who achieved the highest cumulative score across all categories successfully advanced.

Ethereum Price Prediction & Forecast for 2023-2024

Ethereum is set to experience significant changes in the upcoming years as it already transitioned from a Proof of Work consensus mechanism to Proof of Stake. This change will significantly improve the energy efficiency of the cryptocurrency and will also enhance its ability to handle thousands of transactions per second, making it more ready for the future.

However, the question remains, will these improvements also affect the price of Ethereum? In this article, we will explore the expectations for the next several years and provide Ethereum price predictions for 2023 and 2024.

What Is Ethereum?

Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). It was first proposed in 2013 by Vitalik Buterin, a young programmer and cryptocurrency enthusiast.

Unlike Bitcoin, which is primarily used as a digital currency, Ethereum is designed to be a platform for building decentralized applications (DApps) using smart contracts. Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into lines of code. They allow for the automation of digital asset management and can be used to create a wide range of decentralized applications, such as digital identities, prediction markets, and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms.

Ethereum also has its own native cryptocurrency called Ether (ETH), which is used to pay for transactions and computational services on the network. The Ethereum network also enables the creation and issuance of custom digital assets, called ERC-20 tokens, that can be used to represent digital assets such as stocks, bonds, and other forms of financial instruments.

Ethereum is a major player in the crypto market and it is the second most valuable cryptocurrency after Bitcoin. It’s considered as the backbone of many decentralized finance (DeFi) projects and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) marketplaces.

What Factors Affects on Ethereum Price in the Future?

There are several factors that can affect the price of Ethereum in the future, including:

  1. Market sentiment: This refers to the overall attitude of investors towards Ethereum. Positive sentiment can drive the price up, while negative sentiment can drive it down.
  2. Regulatory environment: Government regulations can have a big impact on the price of Ethereum. For example, a crackdown on illegal activities involving Ethereum can lead to a decrease in its price.
  3. Economic conditions: Economic conditions, such as interest rates, inflation, and GDP growth, can affect the demand for Ethereum.
  4. Adoption and usage: The more people use and accept Ethereum, the more valuable it is likely to become.
  5. Technology developments: New updates and developments in the technology behind Ethereum can also affect its price.
  6. Competition: As the crypto market is relatively new, the competition among different cryptocurrencies is intense, and the emergence of new projects, with new features and technology, can affect the price when you buy Ethereum.
  7. Media coverage: Media coverage can also play a role in shaping public perception of Ethereum and influencing its prices.
  8. Ethereum’s upgrade: Ethereum upgraded its network from a proof of work (PoW) consensus mechanism to proof of stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, this could change the way the network works and it could have an impact on the price.

It’s important to note that these factors can interact in complex ways and it’s not always clear how they will impact the price of Ethereum in the future. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that crypto prices are highly volatile and can be affected by a wide range of factors, and past performance is not indicative of future results.

Ethereum Price Prediction 2023

Technical analysis of Ethereum prices for the year 2023 predicts that the minimum cost for one Ethereum will be $2,348.78. The maximum price that Ethereum can reach is forecasted to be $2,749.12. The estimated average trading price is $2,427.59. These predictions suggest a potential return on investment (ROI) of 68.1%.

In summary, based on the technical analysis, Ethereum’s estimated cost for 2023 is expected to be between $2,348.78 and $2,749.12, with an average price of $2,427.59. The potential return on investment is projected to be 68.1%. However, it’s important to note that these predictions are not always accurate and there are many factors that can affect future asset prices, it’s advisable to do your own research and consult financial experts before making any investment decisions.

Should I Invest Money in Ethereum?

It’s important to remember that investing in cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, is highly speculative and comes with a high level of risk. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can be affected by a wide range of factors, including market sentiment, regulatory changes, and global economic conditions.

Before making any investment decision, it’s important to understand the risks involved and have a clear understanding of your investment goals and risk tolerance. It’s also important to do your own research and consult with a financial advisor to determine if investing in Ethereum is a suitable investment for you.

It’s also important to diversify your investments and not to invest more than you can afford to lose.

Where Can I Get the Best Price for Ethereum in 2023?

The price of Ethereum can vary across different cryptocurrency exchanges, like: Binance, Coinbase, Redot, etc.. The best price for Ethereum will depend on factors such as the exchange’s trading volume, liquidity, and fees. To find the best price for Ethereum, you can compare the prices across different exchanges and choose the one that offers the most favorable terms.

It’s important to note that while centralized exchanges, such as Binance, Kraken, and Bitfinex have high trading volume and liquidity, they may require users to go through a KYC (Know Your Customer) process and may also be subject to regulations depending on the jurisdiction in which the exchange operates. Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like Uniswap, Sushiswap, or 1inch, allows you to trade Ethereum without the need of passing the KYC process and are also less regulated.

Before you start trading, you should also consider the fees, security and other features of the exchange. It’s advisable to compare the prices of Ethereum on several exchanges and choose the one that offers the best price and that is most suitable for your needs.