January 2022 Newsletter

January 31, 2022

Message from the Director:

Since our foundation in 1960, the ESRI has benefitted from the financial support of its members, both corporate and individual. In 2021, we decided to refresh our approach to corporate membership. We are looking to engage more actively with members and, in return, we are looking to increase the revenue raised through corporate membership. We are doing this with a view to creating a funding stream which would allow for additional research on the major economic and social challenges facing Ireland.

I am delighted to report that seven companies have agreed to become Whitaker Patrons of the ESRI and are each contributing €20,000 this year to support the work of the Institute. These companies are: AIB, Davy, Eirgrid, ESB, ICON, Intel and Microsoft. In addition, the following companies have joined as new corporate members and are each contributing €5,000: Combilift, Enterprise Ireland, Matheson, Musgraves, OHM (Jaguar) and Tesco.

We have been very encouraged in our interactions with these and other companies. There is clearly great interest in, and enthusiasm for, the work of the Institute and a desire to see an ever-stronger evidence base to support policy formation. It has also been striking that the areas of ESRI work which many companies would like to see expanded include sustainability, equality and the all-island economy.

We hope to expand the membership base further in the coming months. Our new Head of Membership, Fiona O’Sullivan, will work closely with our Chair Sean O’Driscoll and I as we build on the early success of the new membership initiative.

Regards,