Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020
221. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his ambition for the development of a ready supply of graduates specialising in research in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22974/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraInnovation 2020, the current national strategy for research and development, science and technology, acknowledges the importance of having a pipeline of skilled and talented individuals playing a critical factor in innovation provision and devlopment.
The expansion of higher education has been a key enabling factor in this regard and by extenson in the growth of the Irish economy. 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. Equally, increased participation in higher education has resulted in significant contributions to society and has played a critical role in enriching our cultural life. Our next generation of researchers and innovators require the best possible foundation from our higher education system.
Postgraduate education delivered by the higher education institutions is critical to our research system. In addition to contributing to knowledge, postgraduate researcher education drives participants to develop their own research skills that can be applied in a range of environments, in academia or industry, at home or abroad.
Every year, approximately 10,000 research students are enrolled across all institutions, and they form a key element in the transformation of Institutes of Technology into Technological Universities and are a continuing critical feature of our universities.
The Irish Research Council funds graduates across all disciplines, and are an important component in the wider national strategic pursuit of strong talent pipeline of research graduates coming through Ireland’s higher education system. Science Foundation Ireland has already commenced the roll-out of a new €100 million multi annual programme of investment in PhDs and Research Masters through new Centres for Research Training (CRT). The CRT programme will provide training for 600 postgraduate students in areas of nationally and internationally identified future skills needs of digital, data and ICT.
The Mid-Term review of Innovation 2020 published in 2019 reaffirmed the relevance of its policy objectives, including the need to increase investment in research infrastructure and research talent. Innovation 2020 is due to conclude at the end of this year, and as part of the consultation process for the successor strategy, which will be developed by my Department, I will work with enterprise agencies and industry groups, as well as the higher education institutions, to assess the future demand for research graduates to ensure we are prepared for the challenges ahead.
