Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2005
327 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will develop research and development models similar to the Malmo region of Sweden to ensure better potential innovation for companies here and more employment prospects arising from these developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3394/05]
View answerProgrammes to promote innovation and industrial employment have been operating for many years, notably the programmes of the industrial development agencies, but also broader measures to promote competitiveness, entrepreneurship and productivity and a business-friendly environment in general. They have been instrumental in achieving the strong employment growth of recent years. This includes programmes in the area of research and development. A notable increase in Government spending on research and development programmes is being implemented under the National Development Plan 2000 to 2006, with €2.5 billion to be spent across a number of Departments, as compared to €500 million in the 1994 to 1999 period.
In developing our research and development policies and programmes, we are informed by good practice in other countries and regions. It is also necessary, however, to take account of the industrial structure and level of economic development at any particular time in deciding the precise measures to apply. Accordingly, while our programmes reflect good international practice, it would not be appropriate to imitate any specific national model. Two key developments in recent years which draw on good international practice are the establishment of Science Foundation Ireland to promote world class research in ICT and biotechnology and, most recently, the introduction of an incremental research and development tax credit.
In the context of the enterprise strategy group report and the national research and development action plan, it is intended to continue to develop our research and development policies and programmes with the aim of significantly increasing investment on research and development and translating that investment into competitiveness and high quality jobs.
