As head of Western U.S. operations for IDA Ireland, my job is to show American companies why European expansion makes strategic sense. Lately, that conversation has shifted. America’s frequent policy changes have prompted many executives to reconsider their expansion strategies, with more leaders looking overseas for growth opportunities. Ireland saw 179 foreign investment approvals in the first half of 2025, up 37% year-over-year.
Over two decades of advising Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups, I’ve observed executives increasingly prioritize regulatory predictability when planning international expansion. They’re evaluating where they can execute multi-year AI hiring plans, maintain consistent research funding, and complete renewable energy programs. Long-term regulatory stability has become a more prominent consideration in location decisions. Here’s what’s driving these conversations.
The Global Competition for AI Talent Heats Up
The AI boom has sparked an expensive talent race in Silicon Valley, with tech giants offering massive compensation packages to attract a limited pool of specialized engineers. This makes it difficult for mid-sized companies and well-funded startups to compete. Meanwhile, the new $100,000 fee imposed on companies for H-1B visa applicants is making top international talent rethink U.S. relocation, with job offers tied to international offices becoming more attractive.
