  Rate-splitting multiple access (RSMA) has recently appeared as a powerful
technique for improving the downlink performance of multiple-input
multiple-output (MIMO) systems. By flexibly managing interference, RSMA can
deliver high spectral and energy efficiency, as well as robustness to imperfect
channel state information (CSI). In another development, an intelligent
reflecting surface (IRS) has emerged as a method to control the wireless
environment through software-configurable, near-passive, sub-wavelength
reflecting elements. This article presents the potential of synergy between IRS
and RSMA. Three important improvements achievable by IRS-RSMA schemes are
identified, supported by insightful numerical examples, and mapped to beyond-5G
use cases, along with future research directions.
