Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2016
222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if innovation and technology feature in the business sector; the reliability of grant-aid from the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16314/16]
View answerInnovation and Technology are critical elements of a successful Irish business sector. The future for Irish companies and the Irish economy will be determined by our ability to take advantage of global opportunities in order to deliver export-led growth. In essence; exports equals jobs. As such, high-quality, innovative and internationally competitive Irish companies are fundamental to Ireland's future prosperity. Research, development & innovation enable firms to develop products and services that are competitive and attractive on the global market, which enable these companies to win export sales, thus creating jobs and economic prosperity in Ireland.
This reality is well recognised within businesses with national Business Expenditure on Research & Development (BERD) increasing 15% to over €2bn between 2011 and 2013. Enterprise Ireland provides research, development and technological innovation support relevant at all stages of company development, enabling companies to progress from undertaking an initial research project on to higher level innovation and R and D activities. The number of companies receiving such support has grown substantially in recent years and now over 1,200 companies are supported to engage in research, development and innovation every year.
The current EU Framework Programme for research and innovation, which is part of the drive to create new growth and jobs in Europe, is Horizon 2020. Enterprise Ireland co-ordinate the implementation of Horizon 2020 through the National Support System and the National Director for Horizon 2020. Enterprise Ireland’s team comprises of representatives across the research funding departments and agencies. Horizon 2020 has a budget of almost €75 billion and runs over the period 2014-2020. Through Enterprise Ireland, Irish academics and companies are continually supported in their engagement with the opportunities available by the Horizon 2020 National Support System. Irish companies who compete successfully for funding from Horizon 2020 will boost their innovative capability and competitiveness which in turn delivers strong national economic impacts.
In the first 23 months of Horizon 2020, 588 Irish applicants were successful in securing funding. For this period, Ireland's drawdown was €251 million, giving an overall Irish success rate of 14.62% (higher than the EU Member State average of 13.5%). Of this funding, over €72 million went to companies with €52 million of this figure going to SMEs.
Ireland has an ambitious target of winning €1.25 billion under Horizon 2020, which we are on target to meet. 80% of the Horizon 2020 budget (€61 billion) is to be allocated between 2016 and 2020, which gives Irish companies the opportunity to continue to availing of these supports. Our strategy to achieve these targets is being driven by the Horizon 2020 High Level Group, chaired by my Department. All Departments and Agencies engaged in research funding are represented on the High Level Group and particular attention is being given to maximising industry participation in Horizon 2020.
In addition to Horizon 2020, funding from European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) supports a number of Enterprise Ireland R&D programmes. Over the 2014 – 2020 period Ireland stands to drawdown in the region of €65m in such funding.
