Smart economy plan ‘flawed’

THE Government’s smart economy policy is fundamentally flawed and lacks ambition, according to UCC economist Eoin O’Leary.

Mr O’Leary points out that the Government’s objective is to target high-technology sectors and source innovation by commercialising science and technology developed in universities to boost competitiveness and national prosperity.

“This policy is fundamentally flawed in assuming that a government or its agencies can decide on the sectors and businesses in which Ireland will be competitive and that academics can play a central role in business innovation.