KTI has launched its new Directory of Research, Development & Innovation Supports for Enterprise 2021 which serves as a comprehensive guide for companies to collaborate with State-funded research. Building on the previous edition, KTI’s new Directory is the definitive roadmap for businesses seeking to engage with and benefit from public Irish research as well as wider R&D supports available from State sources.
Speaking of the launch Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said “This Directory is a fantastic resource for companies and I really encourage business owners to check it out. Recent data show that companies which collaborate with our universities have double the turnover of those that don’t so there are some real opportunities. We’ve seen over the past year countless examples of firms that have demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation. There are many challenges ahead, as we recover from Covid, decarbonise our economy and adapt to the digital transformation. There will also be opportunities and those who can adapt and innovate will be the winners. For any company thinking of working with a third level institution but don’t know where to start, I’d encourage them to have a look at this Directory and get in touch with Knowledge Transfer Ireland, which was set up as a kind of a one stop shop to help companies find the research or partner they are looking for.”
According to the latest figures from KTI, there has been a steady increase in companies involved in research collaboration. At the end of 2019 there were 2,168 collaborative research projects ongoing between businesses in Ireland and the Third Level and State research bodies, a 76% increase since the figures were first available in 2015.
Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Innovation and Science, said “Enhancing human capability and productivity will be key to meeting the challenges ahead, and to advancing Ireland’s economic and social development. Our third level system can provide access for companies to the brightest minds and cutting-edge infrastructure, and it is very welcome to see over 50 of these institutes and research centres profiled in the KTI Directory. There has always been a strong willingness from the third level to engage with companies to commercialise ideas which can better society. I have no doubt we will continue to see ambitious spin outs grow out of our universities, institutes of technology and technological universities, as well as existing businesses around Ireland solving real-world problems through collaboration with the third level.”
Alison Campbell, Director, Knowledge Transfer Ireland, said “Research commercialisation is flourishing in Ireland thanks to sustained investment in research, innovation and the knowledge transfer system. I am pleased that KTI is launching this updated Directory for companies that describes the breadth and depth of the research base and the variety of funding programmes that are available to them across the agencies. If businesses around Ireland who are looking to grow read one thing this year, it should be this. There is a wealth of potential in our higher education institutes and research centres, and increased collaboration across enterprise and academia can deliver results today and act as a magnet for future investment.”
A key aspect of Ireland’s effective research commercialisation landscape is the availability of funding supports for businesses to encourage them to tap into the potential of the Irish research base. From a quick first-time interaction through to a deeper engagement, there are funding supports and research expertise available to assist companies of all sizes. The national Directory of Research, Development & Innovation for Enterprise provides businesses with a single reference point on the key players, funding available and other resources that might match their specific needs.
Examples of funding available include:
Along with a comprehensive breakdown of research and development funding supports available to businesses, the Directory also includes profiles of over 50 research providers including Higher Education Institutes and research centres with which companies of all sizes can connect to advance their R&D goals.
The KTI Directory of Research, Development and Innovation Supports for Enterprise 2021 can be found here.