Ibec has called for the next government to "invest ambitiously in infrastructure", while also making changes to tax and employment rules to assist firms here.
Launching its election campaign, the business group set out four areas it would like the next government to prioritise - infrastructure and public services, tax policy, climate change and the law.
That includes a new national housing strategy, a long-term funding model for third level education and improvements to the country's roads, broadband network and water system.
"That's going to be a very significant part with the increasing population and the nature of the investments already taking place from the private sector," said Ibec CEO Danny McCoy. "We need to start scaling up the economy."
Ibec is also calling for an expansion in the public service, which it says has failed to keep up with the growth in private employment in recent years.
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It also wants a new commission on taxation to be set up to take a broad look at the country's tax system, while seeking changes that will support indigenous businesses and international investors.
"It may involve raising some taxes, like carbon taxes for instance," Mr McCoy said.
"The world has changed over the last 13 years dramatically, particularly the way corporations are now driven by assets that are intangible and it has been 13 years since the last commission on taxation," he said.
"If you look at what's happening internationally with the OECD, there could well be an effective minimum tax rate across the world but Ireland's in a different place right now. We have arrived in terms of where we are in terms of business community, it's now about retention," Mr McCoy said.
In its election wish-list. Ibec also reiterated its call for more action on climate change, and wants the next government to convene a meeting of stakeholders to plot a path forward for the country.
It also wants employers to have a greater role in policy formation, while also seeking changes to employment law for those looking to stay in their jobs or return to work.
