Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2017
65. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which she expects support from the EU Commission in the context of innovation and technology in respect of job retention or job creation here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30675/17]
View answerInnovation is a key mechanism by which companies can gain competitive advantage. Innovation can lower costs, increase productivity and add value to a company's products or services. A competitive advantage is necessary for success in global markets, which for a small open economy like Ireland, is necessary for creating sustainable, quality employment.
Innovation 2020, the national strategy for Research and Innovation, which was launched in December 2015, sets out the Government's ambition for Ireland to become a global innovation leader. International cooperation is an integral part of that strategy. International cooperation maximises the impact of international and national investment in research and innovation. It contributes to the development of Ireland as a research and enterprise partner, underscoring and enhancing the excellence of our research and innovation system and facilitating engagement with the Irish diaspora. A key plank of our engagement in international cooperation is participation of our researchers and enterprise in the EU Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation.
Horizon 2020 is the current Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. It is one of seven flagship initiatives in Europe 2020, the European Union’s ten-year jobs and growth strategy. H2020 has a budget of €75 billion and runs from 2014 to 2020. H2020 funding (grant aid) is awarded on a competitive basis to researchers and companies across three main pillars: Excellent Science; Leadership in Industrial Technologies; and Societal Challenges.
Ireland has won €424 million from 2014 to May 2017 in competitive, EU funding from Horizon 2020. Higher Education Institutions accounted for €233 million of the total and companies, €151 million. The funding for companies included €94 million awarded to SMEs.
A dedicated SME Instrument within Horizon 2020 has a budget of €3 billion to support high-potential SMEs to develop ground-breaking innovative ideas for products, services or processes that are ready to face global market competition. Irish SMEs have recorded the highest success rate in the SME Instrument at 16%, compared with an EU average of 6%.
My department chairs the Horizon 2020 High Level Group, a cross-Government committee tasked with coordinating Ireland's participation in Horizon 2020. In addition, Enterprise Ireland leads a National Support System that assists researchers and companies to participate in the programme.
In the autumn the European Commission will launch the Horizon 2020 work programme for 2018-2020. This will have a total budget of €30 billion and will provide significant funding opportunities for companies in Ireland. The National Support System is actively preparing for that programme in order to maximize the participation by researchers and companies.
