Accenture Expanding Operations and Establishing Centre for Innovation in Dublin

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) is expanding its Irish operations and establishing a Centre for Innovation in Dublin where the company will research, incubate, and pilot innovative industry-specific and cross-industry technologies and solutions for its clients.  The company will invest more than €25 million and recruit more than 200 professionals with R&D and design expertise in cognitive computing, Internet of Things, advanced analytics, security and digital marketing

The Centre for Innovation will include a new Accenture Technology Lab that will focus on identifying and scaling innovative solutions based on new and emerging technologies.  Dublin is the newest location in Accenture’s global network of technology labs which includes San Jose, CA and Washington, DC, in the United States; Sophia Antipolis, France; Beijing, China; and Bangalore, India.

“Ireland has become a technology hub in Europe and is a rich source of highly skilled talent in science, technology and engineering. Given this, Dublin is the perfect location for our new Centre for Innovation,” said Jo Deblaere, Accenture’s chief operating officer and chief executive Europe.  “This is a strategic investment for Accenture and part of our continued commitment to bring new insights and innovative solutions to our clients around the world.”

Enda Kenny, Taoiseach, commented, “The fantastic announcement by Accenture of a €25 million investment to create a new innovation centre, with the creation of 200 new highly skilled jobs, is a welcome endorsement of the Government’s strategy on ICT.  Since we entered office, the Government has prioritised new initiatives to support emerging technologies through the establishment of new research and technology centres and expert taskforces.  Supporting both domestic and multinational enterprises to expand into dynamic new sectors is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild a sustainable economy which can support full employment.  Accenture is to be commended for their vision as they take full advantage of new opportunities in cutting edge developments.

“We have a long history in Ireland and a significant presence in the country with more than 1,800 employees today,” said Alastair Blair, country managing director, Accenture Ireland.  “Over the years, we have made significant investments in Ireland including the creation of the Accenture Analytics Innovation Centre in Dublin which will now serve as the cornerstone for our Centre for Innovation.  I am delighted that we are making this strategic investment and commitment to creating new jobs in Ireland.” 

Picture shows from left Alastair Blair, Country Managing Director, Accenture Ireland; An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, T.D; Julie Spillane, Director of the Accenture Centre for Innovation in Dublin; Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, Richard Bruton, T.D.; and and Jo Deblaere, Accenture’s chief operating officer and chief executive Europe.

The Centre for Innovation is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation through IDA Ireland.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton said: “Innovation is at the heart of everything we have been trying to do as a Department over the past four years. As I have repeatedly said – in place of the failed economy based on property and debt we must rebuild a new economy based on exports and innovation – and over the past four years we have seen major progress on this road. Today’s announcement by Accenture that it is establishing a new Innovation Centre in Dublin, with the creation of 200 additional high-value jobs in the next 12 months, is another major boost on this path”.

Martin Shanahan, Chief Executive of the IDA, added, “This new Centre for Innovation clearly positions Dublin as a Global Centre of Excellence in a number of exciting new areas including cognitive computing and advanced analytics and strengthens Ireland’s technology ecosystem.”

Interested candidates can contact the company here.