HEA is the leading authority in the strategic development of the Irish higher education and research system. Their objective is to create a cohesive and diverse system of institutions with distinct missions. HEA offers a range of services and programs to support this vision.

One of their notable initiatives is the Technological Sector Advancement Fund, a €50 million funding program that aims to support critical initiatives in the technological sector. They also focus on doctoral education, launching the revised National Framework for Doctoral Education (NFDE) and the website MyPhD. ie.

In addition, HEA collects, analyzes, and disseminates student and graduate data from all HEA-funded institutions annually. Their statistics provide valuable insights into non-progression rates, mean salaries by gender, and the socio-economic profile of students. HEA is dedicated to maintaining transparency and accountability in the higher education system, with a strong focus on policy development and governance.

They promote accessibility and equality, engage in research initiatives, and provide support for entrepreneurship and new skills development. Overall, HEA plays a vital role in shaping the future of higher education in Ireland, ensuring its quality and relevance for students and society as a whole