The synergies subplot sets out how the company's business units and other ventures interact and how headquarters adds value by managing those relationships.

FORBES: Leadership

Ms Harney recently took delivery of a new report on enterprise strategy by a committee chaired by Eoin O'Driscoll, managing director of Aderra, which argues not only for more emphasis on high-value-added sectors and scientific research but also for greater efforts in marketing and promotion, in which Ireland has been weak.

ECONOMIST: The economy has some weaknesses��but several strengths too