Enterprise Ireland’s approach to innovation is guided by the Government’s Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation, 2006-2013, under the co-ordination of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
R&D and the application of knowledge will be a critical driver for the future success of Irish industry. It is therefore imperative that Ireland focuses on promoting the level, quality and commercial applicability of all R&D undertaken, ensuring that industry leads the response to rapid changes in customer needs.
The foremost innovating companies characteristically have a strong commitment to sustained R&D investment. They are led by highly proficient management teams capable of identifying areas of opportunity and growing their companies to be flexible and responsive to market needs while successfully integrating the knowledge and technology they need. These companies also develop and actively participate in innovation networks and research groups to gain access to technology and new routes to market.
Enterprise Ireland provides support for R&D and innovation relevant at all stages of company development, and can progress companies from small beginnings to high-level innovation and R&D activity. Support mechanisms such as the Innovation Vouchers initiative seek to build links between Ireland’s public knowledge providers and small businesses while creating in-company cultural shifts in the approach to innovation.
In the period 2005–2007 Enterprise Ireland refined and intensified its role in promoting and supporting market-led and market focused R&D. In 2008–2010 we will offer a progressive and comprehensive R&D package for Irish companies.
This diagram highlights the R & D support by Client Type.
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With an overall target of *1,050 by 2013, and **100 by 2013
To achieve our targets Enterprise Ireland will continue to play a key role in driving industry-led R&D within third-level institutions, supporting Irish companies to undertake R&D while facilitating collaboration between industry and academia to ensure the maximum commercial applicability of Irish research. In addition we will strive to raise awareness of the importance of innovation across all aspects of business development.
Enterprise Ireland will continue to play a lead role in driving the delivery of new technology to Irish industry out of the third-level sector by:
Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation, Research and Commercialisation Business Unit will work closely with the research community and the relevant state agencies and departments.
The main strategic objective of FP7 is to strengthen the scientific and technological base of industry by supporting international collaboration. Collaboration is of key importance to companies in that it helps them to develop new business relationships across Europe built on the development of new technologies.
Enterprise Ireland will continue to work to achieve the maximum share of support available for Ireland, and to secure the maximum involvement of Irish industry. An enhanced national support structure is in place for FP7, headed by a National Director and supported by a core unit and dedicated teams based in Enterprise Ireland.
