This initiative was devised by Enterprise Ireland to give industry groups the resources to enable them to play a role in delivering on the aims of the Smart Economy through the promotion of innovation and R&D in industry.

The Irish Software Association, the Construction IT Alliance and the Industry Research & Development Group have each been allocated €200,000 per annum for three years by Enterprise Ireland to establish an Enterprise Innovation Network.  The 3 networks will have a combined audience of 1,000 companies for their R&D promotional activities over the next 3 years.

The networks have set a number of targets based on their member companies R&D needs.

These focus on increasing the levels of R&D, developing structured relationships between the third level research sector and Irish SMEs and entrepreneurs, and facilitating innovative business practices in their member companies.

The Construction IT Alliance Enterprise Innovation Network was officially launched in February 2009. Click here to visit the CITA EIN website

The Industry Research & Development Group Enterprise Innovation Network was launched   
on the 5th July 2009. Established by the Industry Research and Development Group (IRDG), with funding from Enterprise Ireland, this Enterprise Innovation Network will promote R&D to companies of all sizes in Ireland. IRDG plans to significantly increase the number of companies supported by IRDG over the lifetime of the EIN which runs from 2009-2012.

Speaking at the launch of the new IRDG Enterprise Innovation Network the Tánaiste said “I am delighted to launch the IRDG Enterprise Innovation Network for R&D performing companies today. Since its formation in 1992, IRDG has been at the forefront of championing R&D in Ireland. The EIN scheme will enable IRDG to build on its experience, and provide a larger number of companies with the support they need in increasing Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) in Ireland”.

The IRDG Enterprise Innovation Network will receive €200,000 per annum for three years from Enterprise Ireland to manage the network. Speaking at the launch, Feargal Ó Móráin, Executive Director of Enterprise Ireland said “Enterprise Ireland is making this investment to enable the IRDG to build on the strong relationships they already have with their member companies to provide independent and experience-based advice on the innovation and R&D options open to companies in Ireland. Research and innovation are critical to improving Ireland’s competitiveness and increasing the volume of Irish exports”.
Click here to visit the IRDG Enterprise Innovation Network website

For more information contact:

Cathy Courtney, Enterprise Innovation Networks manager Tel: +353 (0)66 7149370