The Biopharma sector in Ireland has seen strong jobs growth over the past 5 years but requires a continued inflow of skilled workers (approx. 3,000 p.a) particularly those with digital & data skillsets.
The EGFSN’s recently released its new report, 'Skills for Biopharma: Researching and Forecasting the Current and Future Skills Needs of the Biopharma Sector in Ireland to 2027'.
According to the report, the Digital Transformation challenges for the sector are significant, and a skills needs analysis of DT skills should be conducted. The reports calls says the industry needs staff skilled in Industry 5.0 technologies (e.g., AI, Robotics, Automation, cloud computing and cybersecurity) along with skills in data science and analytical skills.
The main findings of the Skills for Biopharma report are:
Employment has grown strongly in the Biopharma sector in Ireland over the past five years and is expected to continue to grow almost as strongly over the next four, with a forecast of more than 21,000 additional jobs being created by 2027.
Average annual recruitment into the sector is forecast to be more than 5,600 out to 2027.
A shortfall of 3,000 is projected between this demand and likely graduates entering the Biopharma sector, if nothing changes.
A range of actions will be needed to address the projected shortfall. Many of these involve collaboration and cooperation between industry and the education and training sectors.
Specific skills demand has arisen due, among other things, to changes in manufacturing technologies, the digitalisation of processes, the need for ongoing innovation and R&D, and the need to remain compliant with evolving regulatory requirements.
Skills for the digital transformation of the sector are going to be very important, as are leadership and transversal skills.
The sector needs to promote careers more effectively as well as develop new pathways into careers.
Collaboration between industry and the education and training sector will be key to ensuring a good match between the demand for skilled workers and supply.
The education and training sector must have the capacity to respond to skills needs articulated by industry and investment may be needed.
Strengthening STEM education in schools is essential to underpin progress and future success.
The report makes ten recommendations under the following headings:
Strengthening STEM Education in Schools
Increasing the Capacity for Education and Training at Tertiary level
Increasing Collaboration between Industry and Academia
Promoting Careers in Biopharma
Promoting New Pathways into the Sector
Developing Leadership and Transversal Skills
Growing Digital Skills
Fostering an Environment of Diversity and Collaboration
Accelerate the Development of Skills for ATMPs
Developing a Skills Framework and Further Skills Mapping
