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Research and Development

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 February 2021

Thursday, 4 February 2021

Questions (165)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the degree to which his Department continues to liaise with the business sector with a view to the maximisation of the use of innovation in manufacturing, marketing and services in Ireland in the future with particular reference to the need to achieve standards and opportunities on par with the best globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6276/21]

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Written answers

A vibrant enterprise sector is a prerequisite for a strong, advanced economy, and a strong economy in turn provides the foundation for a progressive, sustainable and inclusive society. The enterprise sector provides quality employment which is important for our standard of living and inclusivity.

The enterprise sector is hugely important in driving innovation in this country. Almost 75% of all Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) expenditure in Ireland is by private enterprises. Our most recent figures show that €2.77 billion was invested in RDI by enterprises in Ireland in 2017, a 24% increase from 2015 and the largest biennial increase in 10 years. These investments have been instrumental in Ireland’s economic recovery and growth in the past decade, and will continue to be of critical importance as we face our current and future challenges.

Productivity is the primary determinant of long-term growth. Investment in knowledge-based capital, and innovation in particular, drives productivity through new, higher value-added products and services, and more efficient business processes. The value of services in the Irish economy exceeds that of manufacturing, and consequently investment in knowledge-based capital is increasingly important for driving future economic growth. This economic reality means that Ireland must be among the top-ranked nations for innovation if it is to realise its potential.

To that end, my department officials and I have worked to continue to foster and develop existing links with the enterprise sector. We have been engaging with various stakeholders including business groups and companies, and have received their inputs into my department’s Statement of Strategy, which is due to be published shortly. Maintaining links with enterprise – both indigenous and FDI – ensures we can keep up to date with domestic needs and global trends.

I have attended several constructive meetings with industry leaders in recent weeks and will continue to work with them in driving Ireland’s vision to become a Global Innovation Leader. We also closely liaise with our colleagues in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and its agencies to ensure a consistent approach in aiding the enterprise sector to increase its innovative activities.

My Department’s agency SFI has developed a suite of dynamic funding programmes which facilitate industry/academic collaboration. These funding programmes enable companies and academics to work together on specific programmes of research to address industry needs, support technology transfer and grow skills and expertise. Developing its industry facing programmes to deliver significant public/private partnership, increase collaboration, support FDI and engage SMEs in research and innovation across all sectors will continue to be a priority for the agency as it embeds within my Department.

The manufacturing sector is one in which SFI has already made significant investments which involve industry participation. One of those investments is CONFIRM, the SFI Research Centre for Smart Manufacturing. The Centre very recently opened its new, cutting edge headquarters in Limerick. This facility includes a testbed to house Ireland’s future factory demonstrators, an innovative virtual reality cave, 10 Gbps internet access, Ireland’s first private 5G digital manufacturing network and a digital manufacturing lab with 3D printing and non-contact 3D part-scanning facilities. The headquarters will be a space for industry to come together with academic researchers. It is a significant milestone – heightening Ireland’s position as a leader in smart manufacturing.

Other significant investments in the manufacturing area include IFORM, the SFI Research Centre in Advanced Manufacturing. Like CONFIRM, IFORM is a world leading SFI Research Centre with deep industry collaboration and co-investment. IFORM is delivering the next level of understanding and control for complex manufacturing processes. Ireland is already recognised as having one of the most advanced manufacturing sectors in Europe. These, along with other investments by SFI will support Ireland to become the leading digital manufacturing powerhouse globally.

Access to highly skilled graduates is a critical success factor for businesses in Ireland. SFI has established six SFI Centres for Research Training. These Centres will support advanced skills and training (PhDs) in collaboration with industry, for the new economy. The six current SFI Centres for Research Training support over 700 PhD students in ICT and Data Analytics. Future skills can be addressed through further development of this programme in other areas, including Innovation in Business Services and Advanced Manufacturing.

Questions Nos. 166 and 167 answered with Question No. 163.
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