Unlocking Ireland's potential

Progress Ireland was set up because we believe that Ireland has a lot of untapped potential. The problems that prevent this potential from being achieved are not unique to our shores. Neither are the solutions. Other countries are making progress by addressing these problems head on. We work to find the best policymaking abroad, connect to international expertise, and contextualise these ideas for Ireland.

If the Irish government wants more of something, it provides resources. However, some problems in housing, infrastructure, and innovation are resistant to funding. Throwing more money at these problems doesn’t work.

Progress Ireland will connect Ireland to successful ideas from around the world. We produce rigorous research, provide technical assistance to state agencies, give educational briefings, and generally shape the larger public discourse about our policy areas.

Housing, infrastructure, and innovation are complex problems requiring collaboration across many different organisations. Other organisations do great work in economic analysis, addressing inequality, and international affairs. Progress Ireland aims to occupy a vacant niche in policy ideation by connecting Ireland with the best international policymaking. New ideas are constantly being generated and tested abroad — Progress Ireland will ensure we benefit from the best ones. 

Progress Ireland is a non-profit funded by private donations. Contributions do not grant donors control over our research, strategy or operations. We maintain a clear boundary between funding and our governance processes.

Here are all donors who have provided €5,000 per year, or more:

• Brian Kingham
• Ciaran Lee
• Des Martin
• Emergent Ventures, Mercatus Center
• Kevin Glynn
• Mark and Nicholas Scroxton Cummins
• Patrick and John Collison

If you are interested in supporting Progress Ireland’s mission, please reach out to sean@progressireland.org.

Progress Ireland is not politically affiliated. We are fully independent. We exist to share policy ideas with the wider public and aim to support and improve public discourse. We are happy to talk to anyone interested in our ideas.

Progress Ireland has a variety of friends and collaborators around the world. We are formally affiliated with the Global Trade and Innovation Policy Alliance (GTIPA).