€8.5m boost will benefit industry and universities

THE country’s universities have received an €8.5 million boost to strengthen poor links with business and ensure taxpayers get the maximum return from State investment in research.

Enterprise and Employment Minister Micheál Martin yesterday said there is room for improved collaboration between universities and industry. But, he said, new technology transfer staff in five colleges, for whom he announced the funding, will work hard to address the issues. Among these are difficulties faced on intellectual property, including copyright and patenting of research outcomes.

The Government has announced significant increases in research spending for third-level in recent years, through Science Foundation Ireland, the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions and other schemes.