A key element of Government industrial development policy is enhanced levels of investment in research, technological development and innovation, RTDI. By strategically increasing our spending in these key areas, this will increase future national competitiveness and lead to the creation of higher standards of living. Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, the Government has made provision for €1.5 billion in investment in RTDI for industrial development activities. This research and development investment is targeted at increasing innovation and raising the competitiveness levels within Irish companies in order to add economic value to their activities; increasing output and employment levels and moving up the business value chain. Underpinning many of the programmes being delivered by Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland, is the promotion of closer co-operation and linkages between industry and Irish third level education institutions.