Global Software Engineering Research in a Small Country

The Republic of Ireland has been a surprising success story in the global software market for reasons which are neither agreed nor obvious. However outsourcing towards lower cost countries is a threat to this success. One potential counter move is to invest heavily in software engineering research so as to stay ahead of the curve. To meet the national strategic need this research needs to be internationally credible but locally applicable. Experience to date has shown that this can be done, but only if the research resources are carefully organised and directed. The lessons learned could be applicable to other small and medium sized countries.