We have analysed the views of Irish people on innovation and change and have identified four distinct groups. Which one are you? Take the short quiz and find out!
‘My family and friends regularly ask me for advice on new technology products’
‘My family and friends think of me as someone who’s always among the first to try something new, not just technology’
‘Governments and corporations take too many risks and this is usally damaging to ordinary people’
‘I am creative and often come up with new ways of doing or thinking about things’
‘I often find new innovations pointless and wonder why people get so excited about them’
‘I worry that most of the benefits of change are behind us in Ireland and that change in the future will bring mostly costs’
‘The main problems we face as a nation cannot be solved by technology’
Realists are the largest group, and make up 31% of the Irish population. They are older on average than the rest of the population, 4 in 10 are aged 55 and over. The majority of Realists are women, and are more likely to be in lower social classes than the total population. Realists are less enthusiastic about change in their lives than any other group, though the majority still welcome some change.
They are more likely than other groups to feel that the problems facing Ireland do not lend themselves to technological solutions. Nevertheless, Realists support the efforts of entrepreneurs and business to innovate, and they too expect government to play a bigger part in Ireland’s success in the future.Overall, Realists don’t doubt the importance of technology and innovation in their lives, they simply choose to remain sceptical about its value until the evidence convinces them to change.
Creatives make up 22% of the Irish population. They are younger on average than the rest of the population, a third of them are aged over 45, so age is not the only factor. The majority of Creatives are women and can be found in all social classes. While Creatives are very comfortable with science and technology, they also have strong family relations and social networks. They also are more likely than other groups to buy ethical products and services.
More than any other group, Creatives are the ‘go to’ experts for their families and friends when it comes to getting advice about new technology and products. They can be hard to please, however. Creatives are more likely than any other group to have tried new products, services and technologies and been disappointed.
Advocates are the second largest group in the Future of Ireland study, and make up 25% of the Irish population. Their age profile matches that of the total population, though a majority of Advocates are men. More than any other group, Advocates describe themselves as a leader rather than a follower in different aspects of their work and social lives. They are the most optimistic group when it comes to life in Ireland for future generations, and the most excited about the future for Ireland.
Advocates are the second most likely group of ‘go to’ experts for their families and friends when it comes to getting advice about new technology and products.
Doubters make up 22% of the Irish population. They have a similar age profile to the general population, but are predominantly male. Doubters consider themselves to be much less creative than other groups, and are less likely to plan for the future even if it means making sacrifices now.
They also are the most sceptical about the contribution of technology and innovation to the economy and country, and about the role of businesses and entrepreneurs in driving growth. Doubters are the least likely group to have a learned a new skill in recent times, or to have helped a group or organisation solve a problem.
