Understanding the Peninsula’s Digital Journey – and where we go from here
Digital adoption took a “quantum leap” around the world during and after the Covid-19 pandemic – and Inishowen was no exception. Inishowen businesses participated in this leap, embracing remote work, collaboration tools, digital payments, online learning, cloud services, and automation. But did that accelerated adoption of digital tools and systems continue? Where are Inishowen businesses in their digitalisation journey now, what’s next for them, and how can inishowen innovation help?
Why This Study?
The goal of this study is to explore how Inishowen Innovation can best support local businesses in their digital journey. Working with a PhD student from ATU Donegal, who specialises in lean principles and digitalisation, ii aims to:
- Understand the current state of digital adoption in Inishowen businesses.
- Identify challenges and opportunities for growth.
- Find the “sweet spot” — the areas where ii can have the greatest impact.
What We Mean by Digital Adoption
Digital adoption is about integrating digital tools into everyday business operations and making sure staff can use them confidently. It includes:
- Running internal operations digitally (from basic Office 365 use to advanced manufacturing systems).
- Managing customer and client interactions online.
- Using digital tools to manage supply chain interactions.
- Offering digitally-enabled products and services.
When done well, digital adoption can improve efficiency, save costs, enable innovation, support data-driven decisions, and open access to new markets.
Why Now?
Covid-19 changed the way many businesses operate, accelerating digital adoption across all sectors.
Since then, ii has opened digital innovation facility in Buncrana, Inishowen with a mission to:
- Offer access to growth and scaling opportunities.
- Facilitate world-class technological knowledge and skills.
- Provide collaborative co-working facilities.
After almost two years in its new facility, ii wants to hear directly from local businesses about:
- What lasting changes remain from Covid-era digital adoption.
- How confident businesses feel about their current digital capabilities.
- What support is needed to move forward.
Key Questions to Explore
The study will use the survey, interviews with businesses and consultations with regional and national support providers and will test ideas such as:
- Many businesses adopted digital tools during Covid, but progress may have slowed since.
- Businesses may not be fully using the digital tools they already have.
- ii could play a stronger role in supporting companies to develop and implement digital strategies.
- Digital adoption often depends on one or two tech-savvy staff rather than a company-wide plan.
- AI is emerging in Inishowen businesses, but understanding and adoption are uneven.
What We’ll Deliver
- Comprehensive report: with clear recommendations for businesses and support/skills providers.
- Presentation: Key findings shared at an event and published in an accessible format for the wider Inishowen business community.
Take 10–12 minutes to help shape the future for Inishowen business
Whether your business is just starting its digital journey or already advanced, your input is vital. Complete the survey today and help us ensure local businesses have the tools, training, and support they need to succeed.
Click here to take the survey or scan the QR code below.
“Covid-19 created the need for businesses to pivot, adapt, or grow quickly. This survey is a great opportunity to reflect on our digitalisation progress since, the challenges that remain, and the opportunities to have a positive impact. Inishowen Innovation can use your feedback to find the ‘sweet spot’ for helping local businesses thrive.”
Maureen Cuddihy, welditz
