Government launches Innovation 2020 science plan

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has launched an ambitious new Government plan he hopes will see Ireland take advantage of developments in the lucrative science and research sector by the end of the decade.

The Fine Gael leader revealed the target alongside Job Minister Richard Bruton and Innovation, Skills and Research Minister Damien English at the launch of the Innovation 2020 programme yesterday.

The five-year strategy aims to double spending on research and development by the end of the decade by linking up with high-profile international research organisations like Cern and the European Southern Observatory.

In a speech at the launch of the Dublin Convention Centre event, at which he refused to take questions from the media, Mr Kenny said the strategy would keep research and development, science, and technology at the heart of Ireland’s recovery.

He said Ireland was perfectly positioned to take advantage of opportunities in the area, and that this was a priority for the Government.

The Innovation 2020 plan involves a recommitment of Ireland’s previous attempts to ensure 2.5% of GNP is spent on research and development sectors every year, alongside a doubling of spending in the area from €2.9bn to €5bn by the end of the decade.

The strategy also aims to achieve a 30% rise in the number of enrolments in research-based masters and PhDs each year from 1,750 to 2,250 and increase funding for post-doctoral places by 30% — moves it is claimed will significantly improve the area’s finances, and as a result the wider economy.