Unlocking Ireland’s Potential:
The Economic Impact of Hubs in 2025
The way we work has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, with remote and hybrid models becoming increasingly central to Ireland’s economic and social fabric. At the heart of this transformation are regional coworking hubs – work spaces that offer professional environments and a sense of community and opportunity!
NOTE: We acknowledge that this AI supported report does not hold up to any scrutiny and is purely a thought-provoking exercise which we would hope would generate discussion and further investigation to raise awareness around the impact of hubs nationally to the Irish Economy.
Backstory to this report
In 2019, a pivotal report by economist Jim Power, commissioned by Vodafone Ireland and SIRO, offered a compelling vision for the future. This analysis projected that a national network of just 26 digital hubs could generate over €300 million for the regional economy and create thousands of new jobs. This report, which highlighted the potential for “smart working” to address issues like congestion, regional imbalance, and quality of life, served as an important early indicator of the benefits to come.
You can review Jim Power’s original report commissioned by Vodafone Ireland & SIRO here: https://jimpowereconomics.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Vodafone-Gigabit-Hub-Report-F.pdf
From Vision to Reality: The Evolving Landscape
Since that initial report, Ireland’s digital hub landscape has expanded dramatically, with a reported 261 Hubs now in Ireland, according to the Coworking Industry Report from May of this year, significantly accelerated by the global pandemic and subsequent government initiatives like the Connected Hubs network (who confirm there are over 350 Hubs across Ireland). What was once a projection is now a widespread reality, with hundreds of hubs established across the country, providing vital infrastructure for a dispersed workforce.
With a reported 261 Hubs across Ireland, this growth necessitates a fresh look at the economic contribution of these hubs in today’s context.
*For the purpose of this AI supported analysis we have used 261 hubs in the calculations.
A New Estimate for 2025: Over €1.4 Billion in Economic Contribution
To understand the current economic footprint of these hubs, we (with the help of AI) have applied the core methodology from Jim Power’s original report (see caveat at the end of this article), but with updated figures reflecting the growth of the sector and current economic conditions in 2025.
In simple terms, we’ve taken, with the help of AI:
- The significantly increased number of hubs now operating across Ireland.
- An adjusted average net wage per employee in these hubs, accounting for inflation since the original report.
- The same economic multiplier effect that Jim Power identified, which illustrates how money earned in these hubs circulates and generates further economic activity in local communities.
By applying these updated inputs to Jim Power’s established framework, our AI-generated analysis indicates that the estimated economic contribution of digital hubs across Ireland in 2025 is approximately €1.48 billion and supports directly & indirectly 34,165 jobs across the country!
The Vital Importance of Hubs to the Irish Economy
This updated figure underscores the profound and growing importance of digital & coworking hubs. They are no longer just an interesting concept; they are an established fundamental pillar of Ireland’s economy, contributing to:
- Balanced Regional Development: By providing high-quality workspaces and connectivity, hubs enable people to live and work in their local communities, stemming rural decline and fostering vibrant local economies.
- Talent Retention and Attraction: They allow businesses to access a wider talent pool across the country, and for individuals to pursue high-value careers without needing to relocate to major urban centres.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Reduced commuting times, lower living costs in many regional areas, and greater community engagement contribute to a better work-life balance for thousands of employees.
- Sustainability: Less commuting translates to reduced carbon emissions and a greener economy.
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Hubs often serve as incubators for new businesses and foster collaboration among diverse professionals, driving innovation at a local level.
As Ireland continues to embrace flexible work and digital transformation, regional hubs will remain critical enablers, ensuring that economic growth and opportunity are shared across all parts of the country.
Conclusion: A National Imperative
The analysis presented here, estimating the economic contribution of hubs in Ireland at approximately €1.48 billion and over 34,000 jobs in 2025, clearly demonstrates their vital role in the national economy.
Whatever about the validity of these figures, being AI-Supported, the undeniable fact is that these hubs, strategically located in every corner of the country, are not merely convenient workspaces; they are powerful engines for regional job creation and retention, directly impacting local economies and fostering sustainable communities.
Crucially, the significant part played by private Irish-owned hub operators in taking the risk to support, create, and attract jobs to regional locations cannot be overstated. Their entrepreneurial spirit and investment are instrumental in building the resilient, distributed economic model that Ireland needs for future prosperity. It is imperative that hubs continue to be recognised and supported at a national level as an indispensable component of Ireland’s economic future.
Crucial Indemnity and Disclaimer
The economic contribution figure of approximately €1.48 billion for 2025, along with the associated job impact figures, presented in this article are solely the result of an independent, AI-generated analysis. These figures have not been reviewed, validated, or endorsed by any economist or economic institution. This analysis was performed by applying the published methodology and calculation framework from Jim Power’s original 2019/2020 report to updated data for 2025 on the number of hubs and average wages in Ireland.
It is unequivocally stated that Jim Power was not consulted, involved in, or aware of the creation of these new figures. He has not reviewed, endorsed, or approved this updated analysis in any capacity, and therefore bears no responsibility or liability whatsoever for the accuracy, completeness, or interpretation of the new figures presented herein. Neither Jim Power nor Vodafone/SIRO were contacted, nor was their permission sought to refer to the original report – This recalculation is an independent, AI-driven exercise intended purely to generate discussion and provide a contemporary perspective by applying a previously established analytical approach. We acknowledge and respect the invaluable work undertaken by esteemed economists such as Jim Power, whose legitimate research provides crucial insights into the Irish economy. For a detailed breakdown of the AI generated calculations, please refer to the attached document.
Closing Note:
We firmly believe this preliminary analysis underscores the vital need for a comprehensive, economist-backed report on the true economic impact of hubs in Ireland to support and inform Government and Policy decisions. AI is a powerful tool for analysis and projection, but it is not, and never will be, a replacement for the invaluable skills, experience, and expertise of trained economic professionals. We welcome the opportunity to engage with any such future initiatives.