Posted on November 30, 2007 at 5:27 pm | 
By 
I’ve previously grumbled about the lack of support in Ireland for Web based companies. Heck, Enterprise Ireland doesn’t even have the word ‘Internet’ in the ‘Industry sector’ section of their application forms for grants etc. What does that tell you?
[Update, the point I'm making is that 'Internet' 'digital based companies aren't getting the independent support they deserve in Ireland. This has nothing to do with Enterprise Ireland]
If you’re interested in helping me improve the ecosystem for the Digital Industry in Ireland, please join me for dinner in January. This is not just about having a conversation over dinner, people will need to contribute in some way, even if only to help open doors.
This won’t be a bitching session for individuals with gripes. It’ll be a proactive and positive discussion to move things in the right direction.
I intend to setup a new non-profit independent association. I will propose 12 Executive Directors, 1 Chair and up to 5 Advisors. I will not automatically qualify for any of the seats. Everything will be open and transparent. I will of course, put myself forward for the position as Chair, so if you like what I do for BIMA then you’ll give me your vote 
We can only fit so many people around one table where everyone can have an equal say. So I will be forced to restrict the final invitations to something manageable. I’ll consult the people I know and trust to ensure we get good representation at the table.
The invitation is open to Academia, Government, Investors, Lawyers, Entrepreneurs, Corporations such as Microsoft, Adobe and Google, and anyone else with a vested interest in helping improve the system. This invitation is only extended to Enterprise Ireland if its board commits to taking away action items.
Damien Mulley and Fergus Burns are coming so far. Please leave a comment if you’re interested in coming. Normally I wouldn’t care how you get in touch, but on this occasion I want everyone to see who’s interested. Silence means you’re not interested.
Some sponsorship to cover expenses and to help get this off the ground would be greatly appreciated. Please let me know if you can help.
Date in January yet to be decided.
[Update, since writing this post I've had at least 6 private messages on Facebook which lead me to believe that I've given the wrong impression about my intentions. The association I have in mind has nothing to do with Enterprise Ireland or fund raising. I probably shouldn't have mentioned them in this post. Sorry for any confusion caused]
74 Comments
So far,
November 30, 2007 @ 
Joe Drumgoole
I’ll come along.