Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2022
432. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the areas in which through higher education he intends to include innovation as a means of enhancing the capability and reputation globally of Irish graduates on the global stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13097/22]
View answerAs a small, open economy, Ireland relies on external demand and international markets for sustainable and continued growth. The market for innovation and research is also global – international cooperation in research and innovation plays an important role in the development and sustainability of a world-class innovation and research system.
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 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.
In last year's European Innovation Scoreboard, in which Ireland was ranked the 11th most innovative Member State in the EU, Ireland performed well with its skilled workforce. Ireland came 5th 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, 3rd for Population completed tertiary education (aged 25-34) and 9th for Lifelong Learning.
Through engagement in bilateral cooperation, via research and innovation agreements, we build innovation capacity, facilitate researcher mobility, and allow for economies of scale. Our research funders in different sectors engage in international cooperation to seek to influence European and international agendas and also to assist developing countries in addressing their challenges. The manifold benefits of international engagement accrue not only to our researchers but also to our enterprise base and to our public policy makers.
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 my 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.
