John Halligan TD, Minister for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development and Minister Wang Zhigang, Minister for Science and Technology in the People’s Republic of China signed a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote science, technology and innovation cooperation between Ireland and China.
Speaking at the signing of the MOU, Minister Halligan said
I am delighted to welcome Minister Wang to Dublin. It is very fitting that we are signing this revised MOU to strengthen collaboration between our two countries during 2019, which marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and Ireland. We look forward to working with Minister Wang and his Ministry to build on the existing collaborative links between the two countries. We know that research and innovation can play a significant role in addressing the many global challenges we face – from tackling climate change and protecting the environment to responding to the challenges of an ageing society.
The revised MOU between the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China replaces the 2012 MOU to promote science, technology and cooperation. It will build on the strong links that already exist and explore opportunities for further collaboration between researchers and enterprise in the two countries.
International research and innovation collaboration promotes Ireland as a resilient, innovative, open and globally connected economy and aligns with the Future Jobs Ireland and Innovation 2020 strategies.
Today, there are over 200 active collaborations between researchers and enterprise in Ireland and China. One of the key recent developments is the Science Foundation Ireland - National Natural Science Foundation of China Partnership Programme, which was launched in 2017. It involves joint funding of over €12 million for eight new research projects over four years.
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation has recently announced the establishment of a number of new positions at embassies abroad including one at First Secretary level at the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing, China. The position will be filled in September 2019 and the representative will work with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland as part of Team Ireland in China. This appointment in Beijing is part of the continued implementation of the Government’s Global Ireland 2025 strategy.
Following the signing of the MOU, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation hosted the inaugural Joint Committee Meeting which discussed recent developments between the two countries and the opportunities for further collaboration.
The Joint Committee comprises representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland,
It is co-chaired by senior officials from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Ministry of Science and Technology.