Martin outlines new innovation strategy

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin TD today outlined his plans to encourage development in Irish research and development (R&D).

Speaking at the Annual Conference of the Irish Software Association, in the Mansion House, Dublin, Mr Martin gave delegates a preview of his upcoming Science Technology Innovation (STI) Strategy.

“The objective of the Science Technology Innovation (STI) Strategy is to make a quantum leap forward in the area of R&D and to move Ireland from a position of impressive latecomer to acknowledged leader in this critical area,” said Mr Martin.

“The objectives of the strategy include transformational change in the quality and quantity of research undertaken by enterprise, increased output of economically relevant knowledge, enhanced productivity and an established profile for Ireland.”

The strategy was presented to the appropriate cabinet subcommittee on April 12 last. Mr Martin will present it for Government approval in the near future.

Mr Martin pledged considerable funding for the project, saying: “Significant policy initiatives, requiring substantial investment over the long term, will fall to my Department and its agencies, in terms of the key targets to encourage and promote a substantial increase in both enterprise R&D and collaborative R&D, and to ensure that publicly funded research is commercialised.”

Mr Martin also warned against the danger of complacency in Irish industry at the gathering of software company executives.

“Ireland is no longer a low cost economy,” said Martin. “Irish software companies must operate at the high end of the value chain.”

“This means we must increasingly compete through both market-led and technology-driven innovation.”

“I firmly believe that developing Irish-owned companies of scale, that is to say, large multinational corporations in their own right, is crucially important for the next stage of development of the industry here.

“This is a priority as far as the Government is concerned.”

Mr Martin also called for increased cooperation between firms and colleges to aid research.

“We will need to see substantially increased levels of applied research in Irish firms and we must foster an environment where there exists a close working relationship between companies and Third Level colleges,” he said.