By John Temple Ligon Photo by Warner Montgomery

Dr. William C. Harris

Dr. William C. Harris was Monday’s keynote speaker at the Moore School’s 25th Annual Economic Outlook Conference. Harris is the director general of the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), which was put together by the Irish government in 2000 to support scientific and engineering research. He earned his PhD in chemistry at USC.

In 1990, the Irish gross domestic product (GDP) was 36 billion euros; and in 2003, 138 billion euros. On a per capita basis, the GDP in 1990 was 10,357 euros; and in 2003, 35,197 euros.

Such rapid economic growth in a country roughly the same size and population as SC made for an encouraging presentation.

On the discouraging side, though, Harris said SC is “too slow, too cumbersome, too inefficient.” Offsetting that accusation (description, actually) Harris challenged SC to “punch above its weight.” He told the audience to commit to the best possible education in the US, at all levels. SC’s universities are its engines of opportunity.

The Irish secret behind the Irish miracle lay in education. In the mid–60s Ireland had 20,000 people enrolled in college. By 2002, there were 70,000.

Harris said SC should target 2020 for its full conversion to an Irish–style economic growth miracle. That allows for 15 years to pull it off.

“Keep the argument simple,” he said, “but you have to be bold and determined to make a difference.”