IBM plans to boost software development at its operations in Ireland by investing 46 million euros (US$59 million) and hiring 300 workers in Dublin, the company announced on Thursday. The monetary investment will go toward expanding IBM’s Dublin software development operation and launching a Business Incubation Center. The incubation center’s goal is to foster collaboration among IBM, universities, small and medium-size businesses and the government in order to identify new technology opportunities. The new positions will include software developers as well as experts to help grow IBM’s supply chain operations. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe IBM will also expand its Dublin Software Lab by creating centers where customers and business partners can visit to learn about service-oriented architecture, IBM’s integration with SAP products, and IBM software for doctors and patients. IBM currently employs 3,200 people in Ireland, and earlier this year opened a radio frequency identification and wireless center to test and develop such wireless products and services. IBM used the announcement of the investment and staffing plans also to celebrate its 50th anniversary in Ireland. Over the years, IBM has made several significant investments in its Irish operations, including a $350 million investment in 1996 and a 22 million euros investment in 2004. Thursday’s announcement comes just weeks after the Irish government unveiled a new strategy for science and technology innovation, including 3.8 billion euros in investments through 2013 aimed in part at encouraging students to pursue math and science education so that companies like IBM can continue to find a suitable workforce in Ireland. A few days after the government announced the investment, Intel, which also has a large operation in Ireland, praised the effort. Speaking during the opening of a fab in Dublin in late June, Intel chief executive Paul Otellini said: “I wish the U.S. was taking as aggressive a position in encouraging math and science.”-Nancy Gohring, IDG News Service (Dublin Bureau)Check out our CIO News Alerts and Tech Informer pages for more updated news coverage. Related content feature 4 reasons why gen AI projects fail Data issues are still among the chief reasons why AI projects fall short of expectations, but the advent of generative AI has added a few new twists. By Maria Korolov Oct 04, 2023 9 mins Data Science Data Science Data Science feature What a quarter century of digital transformation at PayPal looks like Currently processing a volume of payments worth over $1.3 trillion, PayPal has repeatedly staked its claim as a digital success story over the last 25 years. But insiders agree this growth needs to be constantly supported by reliable technological ar By Nuria Cordon Oct 04, 2023 7 mins Payment Systems Digital Transformation Innovation news analysis Skilled IT pay defined by volatility, security, and AI Foote Partners’ Q3 report on IT skills pay trends show AI and security skills were in high demand, and the value of cash-pay premiums was more volatile but their average value across a broad range of IT skills and certifications was slightly do By Peter Sayer Oct 04, 2023 6 mins Certifications Technology Industry IT Skills brandpost Future-Proofing Your Business with Hyperautomation By Veronica Lew Oct 03, 2023 7 mins Robotic Process Automation Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe