TWICE THE SIZE - DIT Update - Dublin Institute of Technology

Knowledge management, in fact, is king; research and strategy departments in successful Irish
organisations are replaced by a concentration on building interactive flows of process and
teamwork, so that relevant knowledge is defined, configured, refined and deployed.
The agencies of the state are locked together in a web of mutual scrutiny and task-setting; fast
change takes place, but with cadres of informed and active organisers of events supervising the
managerial machinery in order to see how best to make use of it; and in both public and private
sector managers seize on mechanisms for transferring knowledge from individual expert domains
to systems-related policies.
Technology enables almost anything to be done; deciding what to do becomes the critical
question.
There is increasing concern about the development and spread of dangerous technologies.
Power is more widely shared; the form of governance has generally been broadened; public
participation in decision-making has increased; and new grassroots coalitions shaping collective
action have sprung up.
The Irish population is rapidly ageing and a pensions time-bomb has been ticking for some time.
Irish neutrality has been renounced as relatively wealthy nations in Europe feel that their own
well-being depends upon a hegemony of military as well as economic and political power.
There is the rise of ‘competitive corporatism’ in Ireland, together with Irish trade unions reaching
out to non-core workers and international organisations; employers renouncing individualisation of
industrial relations; government implementing labour market and welfare reform with
employment subsidies and personal social insurance accounts: and everyone promoting local
confidence and employment pacts.
The Irish business community has adopted a positive approach towards corporate responsible
behaviour as companies came to realise that it was in their own best interests to invest in local
communities and help meet local needs.
Resources wars rage globally, regionally and within Ireland.
A recognition exists that sustainable development requires further institutional growth and
continuing modernisation.
Migration pressures build up on Gateway towns and cities.
Education in Ireland is more accessible and affordable, but arguably lacks the necessary
‘creativity’ that was so distinctive in the era of the Celtic Tiger.
Tax reforms favour ecologically beneficent industries and punish polluters.
The threat remains of urban eco-terrorism.
A growing movement exists towards a discovery, or rediscovery, of certain fundamental values.
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