Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2021
315. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which, through higher education he plans to use innovation as a means of advancing educational abilities and as a result, economic preparedness to meet the challenges of the modern educational and employment challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27402/21]
View answer316. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the degree to which he plans to further the capabilities of graduates in respect of research with particular reference to the need to maximise Ireland’s capabilities in that field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27403/21]
View answer322. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the areas in respect of which he through higher education plans to include innovation as a means of enhancing capability and reputation globally of Irish graduates on the global stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27409/21]
View answer323. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which the higher education system incorporates research as a means of further advancing the capabilities of Irish graduates using research as a basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27410/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 315, 316, 322 and 323 together.
The development of a country’s talent entails lifelong investment and commitment on the part of both the individual and the State. From pre-primary through to further and higher education and throughout an individual’s career, skills and knowledge need to be continuously enhanced if individuals, employers and countries are to realise their potential. The centrality of the higher education and research systems in the innovation ecosystem and the availability of high-quality talent from the tertiary education system are core to Ireland’s competitive position.
The expansion of higher education has been a key enabling factor in the growth of the Irish economy over the past four decades. The availability and quality of graduates is essential if we are to maintain our attractiveness as a location for investment and grow our reputation as a destination for a successful research career.
The higher and further education sectors are critical sources of knowledge creation, innovation, skills and human capital development and critical to our ability to deal with current and future crises is ensuring we have a pipeline of talent coming through our higher education system that is fully equipped to make a valuable contribution to our economy and society.
In last year’s European Innovation Scoreboard, in which Ireland is ranked the 9th most innovative Member State in the EU, Ireland performed well with its skilled workforce. Ireland came 7th overall and higher than the EU average in the Human Resources dimension, which measures the availability of a high-skilled and educated workforce. Within this, Ireland was 7th for New Doctorate Graduates, 2nd for Population completed tertiary education (aged 25-34) and 9th for Lifelong Learning.
I and my department are determined to be the driver of a vibrant sector which produces individuals who are equipped with the skills that they need to progress in the way that they want to, and in a way that meets the needs of our evolving economy and contributes to an inclusive society. Not only will these individuals be equipped with expertise in research and innovation but I am also determined that the sector will continue to embrace and embed innovation in how it delivers and operates.
As international competition for talent, investment and innovation grows more intense as nations strive to improve their standing as knowledge based economies, the establishment of a new Department focused on talent and knowledge is an indication of the Government’s intent to position human capital and research as key enablers for our future economy and society.
It is imperative that we continue to develop a pipeline of research talent for academia, industry and the public sector if Ireland is to realise its ambitions under the new Programme for Government and Project Ireland 2040 and my officials will be exploring this as part of the development of the next national research and innovation strategy currently underway at my department.
