The Inclusive University with Innovation & Entrepreneurship in its DNA

Munster Technological University (MTU) was created on January 1st, 2021. MTU, which consists of six campuses across Cork and Kerry with a student body of more than 18,000, is a center of excellence in education, research and engagement for career-focused learners seeking enterprise and community-ready qualifications and experiences

MTU Campus in Cork

Ireland is one of the most diverse countries in the European Union, with approximately 17% of its resident population born in another country. This diversity permeates the south west of Ireland where MTU plays a leadership role in the economic, social and cultural development of Ireland through connected, collaborative, responsive and inclusive education, engagement, research and innovation. While MTU is strongly rooted in the region, it has an international outlook. Building on the accomplishments of the founding institutions, each year MTU welcomes over 1,000 international students through links with 120+ leading universities worldwide.

MTU Campus Tralee in Kerry County

Central to the creation of MTU is the commitment to a strong and innovative higher education sector which is vital to sustaining and developing community and economy. Entrepreneurship is in MTU’s DNA and has supported the development of approximately 500 start-up businesses to date. MTU has recently been awarded €3.5m to support the creation of an additional 75 new businesses over the next 5 years. These start-ups, coupled with global names such as Dell, Apple, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Stryker and Amazon, have ensured that the region has developed into a thriving hub of technology, life sciences and business services operations. MTU’s sustained success in maintaining strong links and collaborations with a range of industry sectors provides outstanding opportunities for our students and many leaders of industry have graduated from our ranks. In addition, 80% of the MTU graduates go on to work in the region and make a pivotal contribution to the success of both international and indigenous organizations.

MTU has extensive experience in partnering with US multinationals, adding strategic value on multiple levels from co-production of curricula with industry from initial design through to assessment, work placement and quality assurance, offering a comprehensive range of 140+ courses that range from industry-specific micro-credentials to PhD studies. MTU also offers a suite of dedicated industry engagement centers in areas such as Industry 4.0, cyberphysical systems, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, clean technology, the bio-economy, photonics, maritime studies and agri-tech.

Inclusion is a key value of MTU – a University that offers a full spectrum of programs, from apprenticeships and work-based qualifications to PhDs, and also provides learning that is accessible and diverse. This commitment to access and inclusion from the widest possible range of backgrounds sets MTU apart and empowers all, who participate in the MTU education and experience, to embrace life and career opportunities. MTU commitment to this agenda has been recognized through the awarding of over €20 million under the Irish Government’s ‘Human Capital Initiative’ for the cutting edge delivery of programs in Engineering and Cyber Skills. This funding underpins the provision of additional capacity across the higher education sector to meet priority skill needs for enterprise and is awarded to recognize and promote innovative methods of teaching and delivery.

  • Interview: Radoš Gazdić, Acting Director General, Development Agency of Serbia (RAS)

    Interview: Radoš Gazdić, Acting Director General, Development Agency of Serbia (RAS)

    What are some of the key facts that all international investors should remember about Serbia? The key factor at this moment is the competitiveness of the labour force when comparing it to Europe. Serbia is increasingly becoming more attractive, first and foremost, because of the technical education of our labour force. It is one of…

  • Interview: Marko Čadež, President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (PKS)

    Interview: Marko Čadež, President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (PKS)

    What is the global perception of Serbia? Over the last five years investors saw straightforward and clear economic policies. This means fiscal consolidation, monetary stability and political stability. They have seen Serbia has a clear strategy. There is now a new perception on Serbia’s future. The perception is now quite good. Together with Montenegro, we…

  • Interview: Ingeborg Øfsthus, CEO, Telenor Serbia

    Interview: Ingeborg Øfsthus, CEO, Telenor Serbia

    How do you see Serbia’s telecommunication sector in 2018 and what key challenges do you foresee moving forward? The global telecommunications sector is going through a revolution, and that revolution is digitalization. The fact being the competition landscape is changing. It is hitting every single operator around the world in some way or form.  We are lucky…

  • Interview:  Zoran Petrović, CEO, Raiffeisen Bank Serbia

    Interview: Zoran Petrović, CEO, Raiffeisen Bank Serbia

    How do you assess Serbia’s economy? We expect Serbia’s economy in 2018 will be driven by a couple of factors. First of all, we believe it will be pushed by the consumptions of the citizens, the unemployment rate is going down, employment rate is going up, so we expect that also the banking sector continue…

  • Serbia: An impressive turnaround

    Serbia: An impressive turnaround

    Serbia aims to boost private sector-led growth through reforms. According to the estimates of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, the nations GDP in real terms increased by 1.9% in 2017. The International Monetary Fund estimates Serbia’s projected Real GDP growth for 2018 will reach 3.5%. Overview: Serbia has successfully stabilized its economic…

  • Serbia: Solid banks support growth

    Serbia: Solid banks support growth

    The sector is well-capitalized, liquid and harmonized with EU legislation Financial sector reforms have been pursued vigorously. Banks are on a sound footing and continue to support growth. The banking sector comprises over 90% of the total assets in the financial sector. Over the last several years significant restructuring has been undertaken to improve the…

  • Serbia: Tourism – Belgrade charm

    Serbia: Tourism – Belgrade charm

    Three million tourists visited Serbia in 2017 with MICE offering the largest opportunities.   Lacking a coastal line, Serbia has focused its touristic sector in the development of spas and ski resorts. They have been neglected for the past years, but thanks to recent private sector investors keen on developing their potential the sector is…

  • Serbia: Transport – Interconnecting Southeast Europe

    Serbia: Transport – Interconnecting Southeast Europe

    Mass investments aim to support and ease transit The sector is one of the fastest developing branches of the economy in Serbia. Value of ongoing projects in infrastructure is EUR 5 000 million. Needs for future transport plans is EUR 6 000 million. Serbia’s strategic location at the crossroads of European traffic Corridors offers great…

  • Country Profile: Serbia

    Country Profile: Serbia

    Regional integration – Western Balkan neighbors are increasing collaborations History: Serbia was shaped as a nation by the numerous external invasions it suffered; starting in the 4th century BC with the Celts overthrowing the Illyrians, the arrival of the Romans and the Slavs in the sixth century AD. A crucial event in AD 395 was when…

  • Serbia: Digitization – The ICT sector is growing faster than any other industry

    Serbia: Digitization – The ICT sector is growing faster than any other industry

    Serbia provides a cost-effective alternative to established markets for companies looking to outsource software engineering, offshore systems design and integration. Over 2 600 ICT companies operate in Serbia including a Microsoft development center. Serbs offer expertise, high-end IT development services and software development solutions in a highly completive global sector. Nearly 39 000 ICT professionals…

  • Serbia: The Balkan Industrial revolution

    Serbia: The Balkan Industrial revolution

    Serbia’s rich historical legacy lies in its strength as a regional manufacturing hub. This is furthermore supported by its extensive free trade agreements which allow duty-free exports to a market of more than 1 billion people. Some of these markets go much further than the European Union which is Serbia’s largest export market.  Serbia has…

  • Serbia: EU accession accelerating

    Serbia: EU accession accelerating

    Serbia is one of the most advanced countries in the process. Serbia is a small and open economy in South Eastern Europe. The nation’s development is considerably below the European average, while by growth it is one of the fastest developing countries in Europe. Growth potential in Serbia is tremendous in every segment of the economy.…

  • Interview: Zorana Ždrale Burlić, CEO, Delta Real Estate

    Interview: Zorana Ždrale Burlić, CEO, Delta Real Estate

    How do you assess Serbia’s real estate sector? We have definitely seen an increase in construction activity, the market is reviving, and we have seen increased demand for construction. We have seen a lot of investment activity. The market remains challenging in terms of a lot of issues surrounding real estate, not just bureaucracy but…

  • Viewpoint: Zorana Mihajlović,  Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia, and the Minister of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure

    Viewpoint: Zorana Mihajlović, Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia, and the Minister of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure

    Serbia’s central position on the Balkans has been used as a bridge between West and East for generations.  This strategic position was the cause of many difficulties throughout history. Empires were always interested in controlling the crossroads going through Serbia. Nowadays, we consider this geographical position an advantage. We are doing our best to organize…

  • Interview: Zoran Babic, Director, Corridors of Serbia

    Interview: Zoran Babic, Director, Corridors of Serbia

    What will be the socio-economic impact of Corridor X? The Eastern part of Serbia is stricken by de-population due to lack of employment options. Corridor X will positively affect the employment rate in remote regions with high unemployment. The construction sector has provided new opportunities, and is actively creating a business environment which can attract…

  • Interview: Aigars Rostovski, President, Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)

    Interview: Aigars Rostovski, President, Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)

    Historically what have been Latvia’s most important economic drivers? Traditionally our biggest sector has been wood and timber produced from by our forests. They cover more than half of Latvia.  Forests are referred to as Latvia’s “Green Gold.” A second historically strong sector is manufacturing, in Soviet times Latvia was an industrial hub. A third…

  • Interview: Martin Gauss, CEO, Air Baltic

    Interview: Martin Gauss, CEO, Air Baltic

    How important is the development of Latvia’s aviation sector for the economy? If you look at the connectivity of the Baltic States, Riga at the moment is the key capital. Latvia being in Northern Europe has reachability issues. Connectivity with Europe by road and rail systems do not fully meet the needs of the region…

  • Interview: Ilona Lice, CEO, Riga International Airport (RIX)

    Interview: Ilona Lice, CEO, Riga International Airport (RIX)

    How do you assess the growth of the aviation sector? The Baltic economy will continue to be characterized by its steady and sustainable progress. The aviation sector accounts for roughly 2.5% of GDP, and cautious, and conservative estimates forecast a growth of 3%. During the past five years, we have invested EUR 154.2 million in the…

  • Interview: Toms Didrihsons, CEO, Orkla Confectionery & Snacks Latvia

    Interview: Toms Didrihsons, CEO, Orkla Confectionery & Snacks Latvia

    How is the post-recession recovery affecting the retail sector? Looking back seven or eight years we can see the general EU recession affected smaller countries in the Baltics quite heavily. The retail sector experienced a drop of 20-30%, which was a big hit. In the recovery process, you would expect some growth over the next…

  • Latvia: An essential global strategic transit hub

    Latvia: An essential global strategic transit hub

    The success of Latvia’s transport sector lies on a series of favorable circumstances. Latvia’s geographic location with access to both Russian and EU markets and its excellent infrastructure are the pillars of this success. Being located on the external border of the European Union, Latvia has quality infrastructure connecting the country to the Russian Federation,…

  • Interview: Ringolds Arnitis, Parliamentary Secretary,  Ministry of Agriculture

    Interview: Ringolds Arnitis, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture

    How do you assess the agricultural sector? Latvia offers high-quality products which are environmentally friendly. These are two important reasons why international business’ choose Latvian products. Nearly 20% of Latvia’s export income is derived from the nation’s forests and another 20% from its agricultural products. EU financial resources have created new market possibilities. Since 2004,…

  • Interview: Aleksandrs Bartasevics, Mayor and Chairman of Rezekne City Council

    Interview: Aleksandrs Bartasevics, Mayor and Chairman of Rezekne City Council

    What are some of the benefits associated with investing in the regions? Investors should remember to evaluate other cities outside Riga. Latvia’s regions offer investors many advantages as opposed to the capital. The regions have fewer obstacles. One example is requesting permits and documentation for construction which takes several weeks longer in Riga than in…

  • Interview: Nikita Sergienko, CEO, Bite Latvia

    Interview: Nikita Sergienko, CEO, Bite Latvia

    How do you assess Latvia’s ICT sector? Latvia has one of the best networks worldwide and probably the best in the European Union. Taking advantage of this, and the qualified labor, many multinationals moved their back offices, call centers, IT centers and even head offices to Lithuania and Latvia.  Western Union, Swedbank, and even Barclays…

  • Interview: Reinis Rubenis, CEO, Swedbank Latvia

    Interview: Reinis Rubenis, CEO, Swedbank Latvia

    What challenges is the Latvian financial sector facing? One challenge for the Latvian banking sector is the number of banks. There are far too many banks in Latvia for such a small economy. Over the next five years, we will definitely see further consolidations taking place. This consolidation is necessary. A positive aspect of the…