The future competitiveness of Dublin relative to other key European cities will be dependent on the degree of innovation of its businesses and in its business environment, according to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
"While Dublin has a highly educated workforce, it does still lag behind many other capital city regions" in terms of innovation, said ESRI senior research officer, Dr Edgar Morgenroth.
However, he added that data on patent applications to the European Patents Office showed the level of innovation in Dublin was increasing.
Dr Morgenroth is to discuss Dublin's competitiveness vis-à-vis other European cities at a conference entitled "Creative competitiveness in an enlarged Europe" in Dublin tomorrow.
The conference is hosted by the Dublin City Development Board and is to establish a framework for the City Circle of Leadership, the panel of business and academic leaders who are to seek to influence national and city policy.
"Business ethos and the built and natural environment of a city are key contributors to Dublin city's competitiveness," Dr Morgenroth said.
Other contributors to Dublin's competitiveness included the availability of quality infrastructure, wage costs and the corporate tax regime, he added.
