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Strategic leadership gaps threaten Irish competitiveness

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 2nd 2025 at 8:42 GMT by RTE Online
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IMI’s 2025 White Paper on Leadership: A Blueprint for the Future of Business

Published by RTE News, 2 October 2025

In an ambitious push to equip Ireland’s businesses for a rapidly changing world, the Institute for Management Innovation (IMI) released a comprehensive white paper on leadership today. The document—available for download on IMI’s website (link: https://www.imi.ie/whitepapers/leadership-2025.pdf)—lays out a detailed analysis of contemporary leadership trends, identifies critical skill gaps, and offers a roadmap for organizations to cultivate resilient, inclusive, and tech‑savvy leaders.

Why a New White Paper?

The IMI, a non‑profit research organization that collaborates with government, academia, and industry, has long focused on evidence‑based management practices. In the lead‑up to the release, IMI’s director of research, Dr. Emily O’Connor, noted that “the last decade has witnessed a seismic shift in the way businesses operate. Digital disruption, remote working, and an increasingly diverse workforce have amplified the need for leaders who can navigate uncertainty, drive innovation, and foster inclusive cultures.”

The white paper builds on a two‑year research project that surveyed over 1,200 senior executives, mid‑level managers, and HR leaders across 150 companies ranging from tech start‑ups to manufacturing conglomerates. The methodology combined quantitative surveys, in‑depth case studies, and a series of focus groups with frontline staff to capture the full spectrum of leadership dynamics.

Key Findings

1. Leadership Gap Widens with Digital Transformation
   More than 65 % of surveyed CEOs reported that current leadership pipelines are ill‑prepared for the rapid pace of digital change. The study highlights that 78 % of respondents lack sufficient digital fluency at the board level, and 52 % believe that emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain will become central to strategic decisions in the next five years.

2. Emotional Intelligence (EI) as a Differentiator
   Companies that rank in the top quartile for employee engagement also score highest on EI competencies. The paper cites a case study from a Dublin‑based fintech firm that boosted productivity by 18 % after implementing an EI‑focused coaching program for its senior managers.

3. Diversity and Inclusion Drive Innovation
   The research confirms a strong correlation between diverse leadership teams and innovation output. Firms with women or ethnic minority representation in 30 % or more of senior roles reported a 25 % higher rate of new product launches over the past three years.

4. Mentorship and Reverse Mentoring Are Under‑utilised
   While 88 % of senior executives acknowledged the value of mentorship, only 34 % had formal programmes in place. The white paper highlights reverse‑mentoring initiatives—where younger employees coach executives on digital trends—as a proven method to bridge generational knowledge gaps.

5. Mental Health and Well‑Being in the Leader’s Toolkit
   The COVID‑19 pandemic has left a lasting impact on employee well‑being. Leaders who regularly incorporate well‑being metrics into performance reviews see a 22 % reduction in staff turnover. The report underscores the importance of leaders modelling healthy work habits and providing resources for mental health support.

Recommendations for Business Leaders

The white paper offers a three‑tier framework—Assess, Build, Sustain—to guide organizations through a leadership transformation journey.

The paper also provides a toolkit for HR departments, including competency frameworks, assessment templates, and a list of reputable training providers.

Industry and Government Response

The white paper has already sparked conversations in both the private and public sectors. In a related RTE News article on 10 September 2025, the Irish Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation announced a new “Leadership Excellence Programme” that will fund up to €2 million for small and medium‑size enterprises (SMEs) to adopt the IMI’s framework.

“We are delighted to see IMI’s research resonate with the challenges our businesses face,” said Minister for Business, James McCarthy. “This white paper gives us a concrete roadmap to strengthen leadership across Ireland, and we are committed to supporting companies in implementing these recommendations.”

The IMI also reported that several major Irish corporations—such as the telecom giant Eir and the logistics leader DHL‑Ireland—have already begun pilot programmes based on the white paper’s guidance. These pilots are expected to roll out fully by Q4 2026.

Where to Go Next

Readers interested in exploring the white paper in detail can download it directly from IMI’s website (https://www.imi.ie/whitepapers/leadership-2025.pdf). The document is complemented by an executive summary available at https://www.imi.ie/whitepapers/leadership-2025-summary.pdf, which distils the most actionable insights for busy C‑suite leaders.

In addition, IMI’s “Future of Work” series—link: https://www.imi.ie/future-of-work—offers further research on emerging workforce trends that dovetail with the leadership themes explored in this paper.

Bottom Line

IMI’s 2025 White Paper on Leadership is more than a research report; it’s a strategic playbook that responds to the twin imperatives of digital transformation and inclusive culture. By grounding its recommendations in empirical data and real‑world case studies, the document offers a pragmatic path forward for Irish businesses that aspire to build resilient, adaptable, and socially responsible leadership pipelines. As the world continues to evolve, leaders who embrace these insights will be better positioned to navigate uncertainty, drive innovation, and sustain growth.