Kim Majerus, managing director, Cisco Ireland
9th March 2010
Internet is key for new business.
Ireland is no doubt famous for its entrepreneurial culture, especially in the technology sector. Firstly, I think we need to put technology at the heart of the education system, not view it as a ‘bolt on’.
The internet allows for collaboration, sharing of information, creation of new business models and ultimately job creation.
Getting this message across through the everyday use of technology early in the education cycle will encourage students to view technology as an enabler of new businesses.
Access to funding/venture capital and the supporting ecosystem is a key advantage.
In terms of State funding, Ireland could place a larger number of bets on a smaller amount of companies – ones that can achieve the necessary scale to generate new economic opportunities and create jobs, rather dividing funding into smaller parcels granted across a wider number of companies.
Finally, entrepreneurs tend to flourish where costs are low – to set up a business, hire people and attract customers.
Ireland is now competing with countries that have emulated its successful model and are starting from a lower cost base – they are only too aware of how the internet gives them access to global markets. We need to remain a competitive place from which to create and grow new businesses, especially those that have potential in global export markets.
Kim Majerus' biography
Kim Majerus is managing director at Cisco in Ireland and has worked in the technology industry for more than 20 years.
Majerus has been with Cisco for more than seven years, joining in the Channel organisation in the US. In 2006, Majerus moved to Cisco's UK and Ireland operations and subsequently became managing director of Cisco in Ireland.
Prior to joining Cisco, Majerus held a variety of roles at Motorola and Harris Corporation. She was born and brought up in the Chicago area of the United States but now lives in Dublin.
