Theresa Ahearn
Ceist:50 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline the reason so few companies are involved in research programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Research Programmes.
There are a number of major research programmes in which Irish companies may participate. Essentially, these fall into two categories — national programmes operated under the science and technology development programme, and international programmes falling within the ambit of the EC framework programme for research and development.
The level of participation in these programmes is ultimately limited by the relatively low level of R & D activity in Irish companies. Out of a total of 7,706 firms surveyed by Eolas in 1988, only 872 or 11.3 per cent were undertaking R & D. Out of this number, only 269, or 3.4 per cent of the total, had formal R & D departments.
The EC framework programme involves pre-competitive research undertaken by international consortia of firms and research institutions working in fields which are predominantly concerned with high technology. Very few Irish firms have the necessary scale or technological and financial resources to participate in a programme of this nature.
The national science and technology development programme commenced in 1987 and is funded from the Department of Industry and Commerce Vote. The programme aims to increase research and development activity within firms through a broad range of measures. These measures address a number of the structural and infrastructural shortcomings which affect the low level of R & D in Irish firms. For example, the technology audits programme is designed to make firms aware of the areas in which their technology can improve their cost competitiveness. The graduate placement schemes address skills shortages in companies by assisting firms in the employment of technologically qualified graduates.
The higher education industry co-operation scheme aims to help companies utilise the research and development resources of the third level colleges by supporting joint college-industry R & D projects. Finally, programmes in advanced technology are being established to build up national competence in a number of key technologies, such as biotechnology, software and advanced manufacturing technology. These programmes are undertaking contract research for industry as well as developing new products and technologies which will encourage the establishment of new companies. The science and technology development programme thus represents a concerted effort to address the low levels of participation in research programmes referred to by the Deputy.