Learning Networks
Networks for Sectors
A special feature of Skillnets has been the predominance of the sectoral approach to the formation and development of Learning Networks. This was not a requirement imposed by Skillnets but a trend that emerged from the companies themselves. Working together to meet common training needs with other firms from within the same sector makes good sense for a variety of reasons but it has not always been easy for Irish companies to collaborate along these lines.
It is often assumed that firms are reluctant to work with their close competitors for fear of losing competitive advantage through sharing sensitive information and knowledge, and some companies are also concerned at the prospect of "staff poaching". However for the last 5 years sectoral networks have become the most popular form of networks chosen by enterprises. This positive experience of companies in the sector-based Skillnets so far augurs well for greater sector-based collaboration among firms across a wide range of functions in the future.
