SDG 8 : Decent Work and Economic Growth
UL’s Annual Sustainability Report 2025 shares selected examples of progress towards SDG 8, which promotes sustainable economic growth and decent work for all. Universities contribute by preparing graduates for employment, supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, advancing economic research and promoting fair employment practices.
In 2025, University of Limerick (UL) supported workforce skills development, connected students with industry expertise and advanced research on measuring the contribution of green social enterprises.
Teaching and Learning
ReSHAPE, a collaboration between UL, Munster Technological University and Technological University of the Shannon, provided funded upskilling and reskilling for workers and employers affected by economic change in the Midlands. An independent assessment estimated €7 million in economic impact from €4.15 million invested, with more than 2,000 learners and 98 enterprises supported. At Kemmy Business School, an Insurance and Sustainability seminar brought students from three programmes together with senior insurance-industry and academic specialists to explore sustainability within the sector.
Research and Innovation
The Impact Measurement Framework for Green Social Enterprises (IMF4GreenSE) project received Research Ireland funding to develop practical tools for measuring environmental, social and economic impact. The research involves government and sector stakeholders, including the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
Highlights
- 245 publications linked to this goal in UL Pure, 2020–2025.
- 24th globally for Decent Work and Economic Growth — THE Impact Rankings 2025.
- ReSHAPE supported 2,000+ learners to develop skills for a changing regional economy.
Stories
3 stories behind this year's progress
Connecting insurance education with sustainability practice
The role of insurance in sustainability brings academic study into contact with questions facing industry practitioners. On 3 April 2025, University of Limerick’s (UL) Kemmy Business School (KBS), in collaboration with Insurance Ireland, hosted a seminar bringing students together with insurance-industry and academic specialists.
Speakers included Moyagh Murdock, CEO of Insurance Ireland; Dr John Garvey and Dr Barry Sheehan of UL; and Justyna Banasik of Allianz. Their presentations were followed by a Q&A chaired by Orla McCullagh, giving students an opportunity to discuss sustainability and insurance directly with academic and industry specialists.
Students from the MSc in Insurance and Risk Management, MSc in Finance and Bachelor of Business Studies participated in the event.
Impact
Students from three programmes discussed sustainability and insurance with academic and industry specialists, connecting their studies with perspectives from professional practice.
People involved: Kemmy Business School; Insurance Ireland; Moyagh Murdock, CEO, Insurance Ireland; Dr John Garvey, UL and EU-BIOFIN; Dr Barry Sheehan, UL and Centre for Emerging Risk Studies; Justyna Banasik, Allianz; Orla McCullagh, Chair; students from the MSc in Insurance and Risk Management, MSc in Finance and Bachelor of Business Studies.
Measuring what matters: developing an impact framework for green social enterprises
Green social enterprises combine entrepreneurial activity with environmental and social objectives, but measuring their contribution consistently can be difficult. In 2025, University of Limerick (UL) researcher Dr Immanuel Darkwa received funding through the Research Ireland New Foundations programme to develop an evidence-based framework for measuring the impact of green social enterprises in Ireland.
The Impact Measurement Framework for Green Social Enterprises (IMF4GreenSE) project is examining how these organisations contribute across areas including climate action, circular economy innovation, biodiversity and community wellbeing. The project aims to develop practical tools that can be used by green social enterprises, policymakers and funders to evaluate and communicate their impact.
Led by Dr Darkwa in UL's School of History and Geography, the project is being developed in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and in collaboration with green social enterprises, policymakers, representative organisations and other sector stakeholders. Its approach draws on policy analysis, stakeholder engagement and international practice.
Impact
Developing the framework with government and sector stakeholders gives potential users a role in shaping the research. The project aims to provide practical tools for assessing green social enterprises’ environmental, social and economic contributions.
Green Social Enterprises are already delivering innovative solutions to environmental and social challenges across Ireland. Our goal is to ensure that their contribution can be measured, recognised and supported through practical, evidence-informed tools that strengthen both organisations and national sustainability policy. This Research Ireland award enables the University of Limerick to work directly with the sector to develop a framework with lasting national value.
People involved: Dr Immanuel Darkwa, Principal Investigator, School of History and Geography; Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht; Social Enterprise Ireland; green social enterprises and sector stakeholders. The project is funded through the Research Ireland New Foundations programme.
Also contributes to: SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities · SDG 12 Responsible consumption and production · SDG 17 Partnerships for the goals
ReSHAPE: building workforce resilience for Ireland's low-carbon transition
Ireland's transition to a low-carbon economy is changing the skills needed by workers and employers, particularly in Midlands communities affected by the decline of carbon-intensive industries. ReSHAPE brings University of Limerick (UL), Munster Technological University (MTU) and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) together to respond through funded education, training and skills development.
The programme helps individuals identify their existing and transferable skills and connect with appropriate upskilling and reskilling opportunities. It also works with employers to identify current and future skills gaps, supporting workforce development and retention as the regional economy changes.
An independent assessment by Indecon Economic Consultants found that the €4.15 million invested in ReSHAPE generated an estimated €7 million in economic impact. The programme supported 98 enterprises and provided funded upskilling and reskilling opportunities to more than 2,000 learners. Participating companies employed approximately 6,000 to 8,000 people across the region.
The assessment also found that 82% of company-linked learners reported increased productivity, while 72% said participation had helped them remain living and working in the Midlands.
Impact
ReSHAPE provided funded routes for workers to develop skills and helped employers identify workforce needs during economic change. The independent assessment and learner feedback provide evidence of its economic contribution and perceived benefits for productivity and remaining in the Midlands.
ReSHAPE was developed to address one of the biggest challenges facing employers and workers across Ireland, ensuring people have the skills they need for the jobs of today and tomorrow, while giving organisations the tools to develop and retain the talent they already have. The independent Indecon assessment provides strong third-party validation of both the impact ReSHAPE is already delivering across the Midlands and its potential to become a new model for workforce planning.
People involved: University of Limerick; Munster Technological University; Technological University of the Shannon; Carmel Halligan, Programme Manager, TUS; Geraldine O'Sullivan, ReSHAPE Project Manager, MTU.
Also contributes to: SDG 13 Climate Action · SDG 17 Partnerships for the goals
