Innovation in its broadest sense is crucial to our continued economic and social advancement. It is clear that a high level of investment in innovation in all its forms is essential for economic competitiveness and growth. In turn this yields the innovations that make Ireland a dynamic, knowledge-driven economy. The Government’s Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-2013 has a strong focus on the role business has to play in making Ireland internationally recognised for the quality of its research and development and as a provider of innovative, market-led products and services.
Over the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2007–2013, the State will invest €8.2 billion in science, technology and innovation. This will bring Ireland into line with R&D performance in leading countries and enhance the development of a knowledge-based economy.
Against this background I strongly welcome and endorse the new three-year strategy developed by Enterprise Ireland.
Leadership, innovation and growth are the fundamental themes underpinning the strategy Transforming Irish Industry 2008-2010. The process of transformation that started during the 2005-2007 period will be relentlessly driven by Enterprise Ireland in the next three years and beyond. Incremental change will not be sufficient to secure and build on the progress already made.
The strategy is driven by the overarching principle that growth in global markets through the internationalisation of Irish companies is the key to wealth and employment creation in Ireland. Central to the attainment of continuous growth in exports is innovation that impacts on every facet of a business.
Enterprise Ireland positions innovation at the core of this strategy.
Efforts to create a strong innovation culture are now being matched with the investment required and Enterprise Ireland is central to accelerating the impetus towards robust global competitiveness.
Our economy has changed radically in recent times and we now face the challenges of a developed, mature economy competing on a global scale. The fast pace of growing international competition is creating pressure for greater efficiency, quality and productivity. The pace of change and the demands of customers require our companies to be creative, flexible and adaptable. In other words innovation has to be top of the agenda.
Enterprise Ireland will be taking initiatives to underpin the future performance of Irish industry that is now central to industrial policy.
Over the life of this strategy Enterprise Ireland will introduce a number of initiatives including a simplified R&D offering to companies, an expansion of the Innovation Voucher scheme for all small and medium enterprises and the coming on stream of a number of Competence Centres.
This document outlines Enterprise Ireland’s response to the challenges of competing in global markets. It builds on the successes achieved over the last three years and continues the major change in approach to developing businesses that commenced in 2005. This strategy will make a substantial contribution to the continued internationalisation of Irish companies through innovation.
Micheál Martín T.D.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
