Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 May 2014
111. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will provide an update on the implementation of the small business innovation research pilot programme announced in the Action Plan for Jobs 2014; and if local authorities are being encouraged to make full use of the scheme. [20444/14]
View answerThe purpose of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programme, which has operated successfully in other EU Members States and beyond, is to offer an opportunity for businesses to develop and demonstrate innovative solutions to meet the requirements of public bodies. The 2014 Action Plan for Jobs includes a commitment to introduce an SBIR programme on a pilot basis in Ireland by identifying and commencing a suitable pilot. Following engagement with a number of public sector bodies, Enterprise Ireland has identified a project which will be piloted with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and ESB.
The objective of the pilot is to successfully deliver the first SBIR project in Ireland, while developing guidelines and a blueprint to promote the model to other contracting authorities in due course. Any contracting authority, including a Local Authority, can implement an SBIR project under pre-commercial procurement rules. Enterprise Ireland is currently meeting with a number of contracting authorities that are interested in discussing possible SBIR projects and is available to meet with any Local Authority which is interested in finding out more about the process.
