Enterprise Ireland
Annual Report and Accounts 2005
Annual Report and Accounts 2005
A groundbreaking €2 million research project in the eLearning sector was launched in 2005 with a key element: its agenda is driven by industry while the research is carried out by academic researchers. This innovative approach will focus key research on delivering tangible, commercial progress in the development of next generation eLearning products and services.
Enterprise Ireland and senior members of the eLearning industry have worked together to develop this sector since 2002. The eLearning CEO forum is a networking and discussion group for high level industry figures facilitated by Enterprise Ireland. Through this network, eLearning companies work together and share their knowledge for mutual benefit.
Enterprise Ireland worked with the eLearning CEO forum to develop a shared collaborative technology roadmap and research agenda for the industry. Following an open competition, a cross-campus research team from National University of Ireland, Galway led by the Digital Enterprise Research Group (DERI) was selected to carry out the programme of research. It covers Digital Rights Management, Data Integration and Delivery Platforms and Technologies and will create a platform for the design, development and delivery of next generation eLearning content.
Jonny Parkes, Managing Director, Electric Paper and participant in the eLearning CEO forum, says of the research project:
“This excellent initiative makes it possible for Irish eLearning companies to get involved in medium term research that will help them to grow and develop internationally at a much greater pace and achieve success in world markets. By focusing on a common set of research goals, the companies have come together as a group for the first time and this type of collaborative activity can only be a good thing for the long term success of the eLearning industry in Ireland.”
The Irish eLearning industry was identified by Enterprise Ireland as having high growth potential. Over two years, this research will directly inform the business planning, product development and strategic decision making of the Irish eLearning industry. Other smaller research projects between individual companies and universities have also spun out of this initiative.
This project is one of three such industry-led research programmes supported by Enterprise Ireland in 2005. Similar projects are progressing in the Power Electronics and Biotechnology sectors.
