Dublin.ie – https://dublin.ie/invest/why-invest-in-dublin/business-ecosystem/
While many global cities compete for investment, few can match the business environment Dublin offers. Despite its compact footprint of just 115km², Dublin has exceptional value, as it combines world-class infrastructure with an ecosystem that welcomes companies of all sizes.
From global multinationals to early-stage startups, the region has strong connections between tech innovators, professional services, government agencies, and creative industries. This interaction fuels collaboration and opens the door to new opportunities.
With low levels of bureaucracy and consistent policies, Ireland’s state agencies are important in connecting investors with decision-makers, funding opportunities, and the wider business community.
If you are expanding an established global enterprise or launching a high-potential startup, Dublin provides a strategically positioned business environment designed to facilitate long-term growth.
The Irish government has implemented a suite of policies and established key agencies to strengthen Dublin’s position as a global business hub. These support enterprise at every stage, whether you’re a multinational expanding into Europe or an early-stage startup.
The IDA
As Ireland’s inward investment promotion agency, the IDA partners with multinationals help them with their relocation to Dublin. It provides both well-established and emerging companies with funding and other incentives to set up operations here.
Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland is a government body that promotes the development of Irish enterprises globally. It partners with countless businesses to help them reach a wider audience. Its Employment and Investment Incentive programme provides tax relief for those who invest in certain startups.
Enterprise Ireland is also responsible for attracting and assisting high-potential international startups – many of which are based in Dublin. These startups are chosen based on their sustainability and scalability.
Tax incentives
Ireland offers one of the most competitive tax environments in Europe, with the third-lowest corporate tax rate in the EU and robust R&D tax incentives designed to stimulate innovation and investment.
Dublin offers professional networks and industry communities. For executives and entrepreneurs looking to build connections, engaging with sector-specific organisations or joining established business groups is an important way to integrate:
According to the Global Innovation Index 2025, Ireland ranks among the world’s top 20 countries for innovation, with Dublin positioned as the country’s leading innovation cluster.
Dublin’s RDI sector is fuelled by collaboration across industry, academia, government agencies, and regulatory bodies, creating an environment for innovation. This positions the region as a strategic location for research and commercialisation.
Global leaders across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical technology, ICT, and financial services have formed partnerships with Dublin-based research centres, using local expertise to accelerate innovation. (View our curated list of the city’s leading innovation hubs to learn more)
Ireland’s favourable tax framework, combined with strong support for research and innovation, is a key reason why global industry leaders continue to choose Ireland for high-value R&D activity.
In 2024, IDA Ireland reported a record level of R&D investment commitments, with clients pledging €1.9 billion across 64 projects. This reflects Ireland’s rising stature as a global centre for innovation and research.
With the Irish government significantly increasing investment in research and innovation, companies are well-positioned to leverage Dublin’s pro-business environment to accelerate product development and scale operations with confidence.
An exceptional workforce Ireland is the most competitive economy in Europe and ranks as the seventh most competitive globally, according to the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking for 2025. This is a direct result of the flexibility, adaptability and productivity of its workforce, which remains a cornerstone of Ireland’s economic success. Investments by IDA Ireland client companies continue to make a significant impact across the country, part
Connectivity is a defining feature of modern economies as global communities, economies and countries become closely linked. Dublin is Ireland’s capital city and is closely connected to the rest of the island by road and rail. Its air, sea and digital links also guarantee excellent connectivity with the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Then, in terms of global connectivity, its strong digital infrastructure keeps businesses connected to their staff and customers around the world too. The city’s exceptional connectivity is just one of many reasons to consider investing in Dublin. Digit
Since the 1950s, Ireland has pursued a vision of ‘industrialisation by invitation’. Today, it benefits hugely from the welcoming business environment it has created. Throughout the years, FDI companies from the US, Europe and further afield have all invested in Ireland. Why FDI companies come to Ireland Ireland’s strong legal and regulatory landscape contributes to Dublin’s reputation as an attractive and stable place to do business. EU and Eurozone membership, a young, well-educated, English-speaking