Is the IDA worried about a Trump presidency? What would his tariffs do to Irish business? And should Ireland be looking to grow domestic rather than foreign investment? 

CEO of the IDA, Michael Lohan joined Adrian on The Big Tech Show this week. 

Adrian began by asking what a Trump 10% tariff would mean for Ireland as an open economy which is vulnerable to fluctuations in the global market. The CEO said that he sees tariffs as counterproductive to global trade and innovation.  

Lohan made the point that Ireland is the ninth largest investor in the US economy, and it isn’t proactive to put levies on trade between the two nations. 

You can listen to the full episode here on the Irish Independent website or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Irish Independent Tech Editor Adrian Weckler hosts this award-winning business podcast which dives deep into the biggest industry advances and tracks the key movers and shakers behind the innovation. From interviewing Big Tech CEOs to investigations into how tech affects our working lives, the show has become Ireland’s most listened-to technology podcast.

Every week we analyse the big tech issues, interv…

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IDA CEO interview: Trump, tariffs and tech overregulation 

Is the EU strangling tech services such as Meta AI and Apple AI with regulation? Is it doing the same to startups here? Is the phrase 'America innovates, Europe regulates' accurate? 
Venture partner at Sure Valley Ventures, Donal Cahalane, joined Adrian on the show.  
Adrian opened with the question is Europe a bad place for budding startups. DC answered that start-ups in Europe must fight against more regulation than their US counterparts. He added that in the States there is an attitude of asking for forgiveness rather than permission. 
The venture partner argued that Europe has a different approach, they will often look to regulate first and seek to take advantage of the wave of innovation second. 
You can listen to the full episode here on the Irish Independent website or wherever you get your podcasts. 

America innovates, Europe regulates' -- is the EU strangling tech services and startups? 

Last week Ford relaunched the Capri model. Instead of being the exciting, lust worthy, affordable sports car we saw in the 1970s, it's a middle of the road, small, bland SUV that's almost indistinguishable from anything. 
Why did they play it safe? Is the bland SUV design more popular? And has the badge of this iconic car been sunk? 
Adrian is joined on the show this week by partnerships director of Nevo Ireland and founder of Nevo EV Review YouTube channel, Derek Reilly. 
Derek spoke about the motor companies' knack for taking names of former models and relaunching them with a modern twist. The original Ford Capri model began production in 1968 as a coupé, however the 2024 iteration is an SUV. 
The EV expert explained that Ford is trading on name recognition and that the new Chinese electric car companies entering the western market don’t have this advantage. He did add that when he posted a review video of the Capri, 90% of responses and comments were people giving out about the new look. 
The Michigan company has enlisted the star power of Eric Cantona with the hashtag of #Jesuiscapri, with the aim of boosting sales. 
You can listen to the full episode here on the Irish Independent website or wherever you get your podcasts. 

The neutering of the Ford Capri and other crimes in car design 

Has Samsung’s Galaxy Ring kicked off the “smart ring” era? How much is it? And what other products did the tech giant release? 
On The Big Tech Show this week Adrian is joined by producer, JJ Clarke.  
The electronics company revealed a new range of foldable smarthphones, smartwatches and a smart ring at its Unpacked event this week.  
Adrian spoke about this being a significant move by Samsung into the smart ring space which has largely been dominated by market leader Oura. The Galaxy Ring however is more discreet and more sleek than previous smart rings. The wearable will be coming to Ireland later in the year and is largely aimed at those that don’t want a smartwatch that pings and beeps endlessly. The Ring, will cost €459 and will be available in nine sizes and three colours: silver, black and gold. 
The “smart ring” era has kicked off in earnest with Samsung’s announcement of its Galaxy Ring. 
You can listen to the full episode here on the Irish Independent website or wherever you get your podcasts. 

IDA CEO interview: Trump, tariffs and tech overregulation

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