SMEs secure over 20% of Ireland’s EU research funds

Irish SMEs have secured more than 20% of the EU’s research funding going to the country, making them the fourth most successful in the union so far.

The EU had set a target of 15% of the €55 billion fund going to small enterprises, but Ireland has exceeded this target, with 102 businesses being awarded more than €43m.

Irish funding on research and development has lagged behind the EU average, with many multinationals failing to establish or develop research in their Irish plants.