The Western Development Commission (WDC) and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) have launched a new partnership to study how remote and hybrid working has reshaped the Irish economy and lifestyle.
The two-year project ‘Connected Futures: The Economics of Remote and Hybrid Work in Ireland and its Impacts on Wellbeing, Mobility, and the Local Economy‘, represents the next chapter in one of Ireland’s most established programmes of remote work research.
For two decades the WDC has championed the potential of teleworking long before remote work became part of everyday life.
Its annual National Remote Work Survey, delivered in partnership with University of Galway, became one of the country’s most trusted sources of insight into changing work patterns and opportunities for balanced regional development.
The WDC also leads Connected Hubs which help communities across the country attract workers, support enterprise and allow more people to live locally while working nationally or globally.
Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the WDC said, “Ireland changed how it works almost overnight. The challenge now is understanding what that means for communities, for businesses and for regional growth.”
“This partnership with ATU is about building that evidence, grounded in real data and lived experience, and ensuring remote and hybrid work deliver meaningful benefits across the country, not just in a small number of locations.”
“That evidence will help Government, agencies and employers take the right next steps and ensure Ireland remains ahead of the curve.”
Atlantic Technological University brings substantial research capability to this partnership, with growing strength in applied economics, regional development, innovation and public policy.
The research will be led by Dr Amaya Vega, Dr Sinead Keogh and Dr Michelle Queally with post-doctoral researcher Dr Salim Khan. Dr Aisling Moroney, from the WDC Policy Analysis team, will lead the commission’s involvement in the research.
With campuses and communities across the west and northwest, ATU is able to examine how changing work patterns are impacting people, places and enterprise across Ireland.
Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU said, “Remote and hybrid work have fundamentally reshaped how we live, work and connect, particularly in regional and rural Ireland.”
“By combining ATU’s research expertise and regional reach with the WDC’s leadership in this area, the Connected Futures initiative will generate evidence-based insights to support national decision-making, strengthen communities and ensure that the benefits of new ways of working are shared across all regions of the country.”
Lead researcher Dr Amaya Vega added, “At ATU Faculty of Business, we are proud to bring our expertise in regional development, mobility, health, and wellbeing to this important project, helping to shape a future of work that benefits people, and supports thriving local economies across Ireland.”
