STUDENT VIEW:As part of the recent 'Where Next?' conference, third-level students were asked for their views and suggestions. This is a small selection of the submissions

In the market for going green

AS IMPORTANT as an open market economy is to the welfare of Ireland, we cannot sacrifice society for material gain. The market economy must serve society, not the other way around.

One vital element of any society is the environment in which it exists. In this regard, few instances where business is prioritised over environmental protection is justifiable. The emission of vast amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is one such unjustifiable case.

We in Ireland are lucky in that we are able to counter this market-spawned threat with the market itself.

Ireland has enormous potential in the generation of renewable energy. With this in mind, I would propose a research fund based on a separate tax on the use of fossil fuels. Funding would be awarded to Irish-based entrepreneurs to develop a renewable energy industry here.

This would have several effects. First, it would act as a form of carbon tax to reduce the use of polluting fossil fuels. Second, it would promote the viability of a renewable energy industry, which would then be well-placed to take advantage of opportunities further afield as renewable energy begins to fully compete with conventional energy. Thirdly, it would deliver market-orientated research.

Finally, this scheme would build an industry which would create jobs, would represent a long-term investment and profit, would be socially beneficial as well as economically profitable, and give Ireland priceless energy security in the troubled future.

• Stephen O'Connor, Law, TCD

Three Simple Words, 'Yes We Can'

DURING MY current stint in the US, I was rudely awoken one night at exactly 11.01pm by the deafening sound of banging pots and elated cries of joys. It was November 4th, 2008.

Barack Obama was elected president of the United States of America. This is the country at the epicentre - if not, as some allege, at the root of - the world's financial downfall. Yet,they danced. In the midst of an economic crisis, the American citizens danced.

The dreary outlook hangs over with no sign of lifting. It has already forced a significant number of young people to seek new opportunities abroad.

Those left behind take hit after hit in tax hikes and cuts in services. Now, more than ever, the Irish Government needs to shape a positive outlook for what's to come.

The Government needs to lead through these dark times with a bright long-term vision. Our leaders owe us an explanation. Communication is the only effective way of getting the Irish people on board with hard decisions, like using taxpayers' money to back Irish banks, when many are losing their own sources of income. The Government needs to create a global image of Ireland as a leader in progressive and innovative ventures. Let's utilise our renowned academics and commodities to spearhead change in controversial areas that link universal societies.

Let us look back on this as a time that did not break this country, but made it. This could be the opportunity that forced Ireland to take a step back and reconsider our steps forward. A blur of euro signs and the promise of wealth had Ireland investing in infrastructure (and individuals in property) without developing society itself. Let us be the first to confront the problems we have created and seek solutions.

"Yes we can". A mere idiom of a child's cartoon. Yet, three simple words that struck inspiration and hope in the hearts of millions in the US and further afield on November 4th.

• Danielle Fleming, BCL International, UCC, currently studying in Philadelphia

We must focus on Ireland's most valuable resource: knowledge

IRELAND FACES the most serious social and economic challenges in a generation. We need new ideas and new thinking.

One of my ideas for Ireland is to provide a clear system of incentives for indigenous firms and entrepreneurial innovation.

In addition to this, education requires continued and increased investment. A recognition that Ireland can no longer offer price-competitiveness may lead to a greater focus on those areas where competitive advantage can be achieved through purposeful investment.

The dictum - often associated with Charlie McCreevy - "if we have money, we will spend it" - is doomed to failure. Government needs to change this grossly inefficient "spend" mentality to one of "investment", thus focusing on long-term increased returns and improved national competitiveness.

Ireland cannot compete on price, language, market access or a wide range of natural resources. In the absence of such we must look to the resources we have, intangibles such as knowledge.

Developing Ireland as a knowledge economy through innovative thinking would create one of these core areas of competitive advantage.

This can be best achieved by increasing access to education and ensuring the highest possible standards there.

• Patrick Beggan, Business with German, UL

For more student submissions on various topics from economics and society to the environment and transport go to www.whatnext.ie