Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2015
117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which he expects European Union assistance by way of innovation and technology to directly benefit the indigenous business sector over the next five years; the likely effect on the economy as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29284/15]
View answer124. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the degree to which he expects science and technology to play a role in job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29292/15]
View answer125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he is satisfied at the extent to which science and innovation continues to play a part in evolution of our industrial base, in the manufacturing and service sectors; the degree to which these sectors have attracted European Union support, by way of grant-aid, or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29293/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 117, 124 and 125 together.
The importance of science, technology and innovation (STI) to Ireland is recognised by the Government as being crucial to growth in our indigenous and FDI sectors and plays a key role in job creation. Investment in STI is an essential component of supporting an innovative and enterprising economy. It assists in creating and maintaining high-value jobs and attracts, develops and nurtures business, scientists and talented people, ensuring Ireland is connected and respected internationally. Statistics show that RDI performers are gaining an increasing share of sales, export sales and are accounting for increasing shares of employment.
My Department and its agencies are focused on the development and support of internationally trading manufacturing and services firms in Ireland, and have a clear and steady focus on the potential and opportunities that exist and can be created by prioritising innovation and technology as a key driver of success. Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland provide a spectrum of innovation and science/technology development programmes that deliver financial, technical and experiential support to help companies become more innovative, encourage and support competitiveness, and help them grow their sales and exports in order to create a climate in which sustainable employment will grow and expand.
Evidence, from both the EU and internationally, shows that the Government’s strategy of accelerating the economic and societal return on our STI investment is paying off. Globally, Ireland is ranked:
- 1st in the world for the availability of skilled labour [Source: IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook]
- 11th in the Global Innovation Index 2014 out of 143 countries [Source: Cornell University, INSEAD and WIPO 2014]
- 13th in the world for university-industry collaboration on R&D [Source: Global Competitiveness Report 2013-2014]
- Ireland’s global ranking in terms of citations was 16th in 2014 – up 4 places from 2013 [Essential Science Indicators Thomson Reuters]
In addition, Ireland has improved its position for 2 years in a row in the European Commission Innovation Union Scoreboard according to the 2015 edition. We are now ranked 8th amongst the 28 EU Member States moving from 9th place in 2014 and 10th place in 2013. It is particularly encouraging to see that Ireland is the overall leader in two specific dimensions: Innovators – which measures how innovative firms are; and Economic Effects - which captures economic success stemming from innovation in terms of employment, revenue and exports.
With a budget of just under €80 billion and covering the period 2014 to 2020, Horizon 2020 is the EU’s new programme providing access to European funding to researchers, research organisations and industry to engage in leading edge research, thus facilitating European economic recovery. Horizon 2020 is a core part of Europe 2020, the Innovation Union and the European Research Area and is responding to the economic crisis by investing in future jobs and growth, addressing people’s concerns about their livelihoods, safety and environment and strengthening the EU’s global position in research, innovation and technology.
Ireland performed to a very high standard in the preceding programme, the Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Innovation 2007-2013 (FP7) with almost €600 million in funding to participants in Ireland having been allocated from call results to date, thereby achieving the national target set for Irish participation in this programme. It is important to remember that this funding is provided on a competitive basis, with excellence being the key award criterion.
In December 2013, the Government approved a national strategy for participation in Horizon 2020 together with an ambitious target of €1.25 billion in funding to Ireland over the lifetime of Horizon 2020. The strategy sets out a comprehensive range of actions designed to maximise Ireland’s participation in the programme and achieve the target, involving all of the key Departments, agencies and research performers. A Horizon 2020 High Level Group, under the chairmanship of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, has been established to oversee the implementation of the national strategy. This includes identifying key areas of opportunity where Irish researchers, agencies and companies can maximise their participation in the programme. During the first nine months of Horizon 2020, Ireland has been awarded €97 million – our target for the full year is €100m.
A national support network of National Contact Points coordinated by Enterprise Ireland has been established, comprising knowledgeable and experienced practitioners from relevant Departments and agencies, charged with helping companies and academics access the funding opportunities presented by Horizon 2020.
I am confident that, building on our successful performance in FP7 and supported by our national strategy and a strong national support network, Irish companies and multinational corporations based in Ireland will continue to have excellent support to compete for Horizon 2020 funding.
