Sustainable development and supporting technologies are a core element of the EU Sixth Framework Programme for Research and Development, FP6, and of national research, technology and innovation, RTI, programmes operated by Enterprise Ireland. Most, if not all, priority-thematic programmes supported under FP6 and the national RTI programme support the development of technologies related to sustainable development. FP6, which has a budget of around €16 billion for the period 2002 to 2006, in addition to covering sustainable development under all headings, has a specific programme which allocates funding of €2.12 billion to support research into sustainable energy systems, sustainable surface transport and global change and ecosystems.
My Department, in conjunction with some other interested Departments and a number of State agencies, operates an extensive FP6 national information and support unit to promote and assist participation by industry, research institutions and third level education bodies in FP6. This includes a specific national contact point regarding each of the 15 areas covered by FP6. Similar promotion and support arrangements operate regarding the national RTI programme.
In addition, my Department commissioned a research project this year to investigate the factors influencing the take-up by Irish enterprises of funding for research in sustainable production, technology innovation and practices. This report is being finalised and its findings will be used to seek to improve participation in the programmes mentioned above.
The Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Act 2003, which established SFI, provides that the foundation shall promote and develop the carrying out of basic research in strategic areas of scientific endeavour that concerns the future development and competitiveness of industry. Initially, the foundation will focus on creating a critical mass of world-class research in niches underpinning information and communication technologies, ICTs, and biotechnology. There is, however, provision in the Act to prescribe other areas that concern economic and social benefit, long-term industrial competitiveness or environmentally sustainable development, should this become necessary in the future. With this in mind, the focus and activities of the foundation will be kept under review and further areas of research will be considered in due course, as the foundation within its initial areas of focus matures.
