FORGING CLOSER links with Ireland's global diaspora could form a crucial part of Ireland's economic recovery over the coming years, a seminar heard yesterday.
Kingsley Aikins, the founder of consultancy group Diaspora Matters, said Ireland needs a "call to arms" in which companies, towns, villages and organisations do more to reach out to their global citizens. "Ireland has the potential of becoming the best country in the world of connecting with her diaspora," he said. "Innovation and smart technology is key to Ireland becoming the world leader in connecting with overseas communities."
He said there are a series of initiatives being worked on in Ireland which are unique and have significant potential. These include John McColgan's "WorldIrish" social networking site, Dún Laoghaire's plan to create a diaspora museum on the Carlisle Pier and a "reaching out" project in Loughrea, where residents are connecting with descendants of those who emigrated in the past.
Mr Aikins - a former president of the Worldwide Ireland Funds - said Ireland has the potential to do much more and that now is the time to engage the diaspora.
"Today the world is more globalised, interconnected and interdependent than ever before," he said. "The current economic crisis that is besieging the world shows us it is no longer possible for any nation state to consider itself an island . . ."
Among the countries Ireland can learn most from, Mr Aikins said, are China, Israel, India and Taiwan, who have been leading the way in harnessing the power of their global citizens.
"What made China a really great manufacturing location? What made India an extraordinary technology hub? What made Israel the second-largest venture capital country in the world? What helped bring peace to Northern Ireland?
"I think the answer to those four questions is the same: networking with their diasporas."
Taoiseach Enda Kenny last night launched a toolkit produced by Diaspora Matters on learning from other diaspora organisations around the world: "Google, Facebook and Twitter see a strong future for their organisations here, and their presence means we are well-placed to access the Irish diaspora across the globe."
