Martin strategy promises financial support for R&D

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin delivered details of the Government’s new Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-13 at Grange Castle today.

The audience comprised of representatives from Ireland’s top-performing research firms, both national and multinational. All of the state’s research funding agencies and departments were also represented.

“There will be no losers if all stakeholders sign up for the full delivery of this Strategy” said Martin. “The impact on competitiveness and on the economy as a whole will be positive.”

“New in-company research and development initiatives will bring together for the first time, under a single heading within each agency, financial supports for company-led research projects by the agency clients, providing an integrated and unified approach capable of meeting their needs flexibly and efficiently.”

“It is anticipated that, when these schemes are launched, they will not only facilitate companies in embedding a sustainable culture of innovation in their own organisations, through in-house R&D (research and development) activity, but will, thereby, allow Ireland to reach its targets for increased R&D expenditure set out under the strategy.”

“This strategy is about more than Government, it requires a concerted and focused effort across the whole national system of innovation.”