merrion street

Speaking at the “Innovative Entrepreneurship: Pulling on Both Oars” Conference* today, Minister for Small Business, John Perry T.D., said “The breadth of R&D activity in Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) is impressive and examples such as the Digital Media Centre, Nanolab Research Centre, Photonics Research Centre and the innovative Hothouse technology transfer centre show the emphasis which is being placed on the transition from research to commercialisation in Dublin IT.

“Developing a modern knowledge-led economy requires that creativity and innovation play a key part in Ireland’s recovery from the current economic crisis. Key to future success is a sustained focus on company capabilities in research, innovation and technology, and linking enterprise with research institutions in order to deliver innovative market-led products.

“Many Institutes, like DIT, have developed niche areas of advanced research competence and have enhanced their engagement with local industry, and Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SME’s) in particular.

“Investment in higher education goes to the heart of what we are doing as a Government and is critical to our success. Irish Institutes of Technology play a crucial role in economic development. The 13 Institute of Technology’s (ITs) have a lot to offer local industry and have built up extremely good contacts with R&D performing companies, and DIT is certainly a leader in this regard.

“Enterprise Ireland has funded DIT over €8.6 million since 2008. This investment includes €4.6 million to enable the Institute to commercialise the research they undertake in order to transfer commercially viable technologies to industry. In addition, a further €4 million has been provided to help DIT to engage with industry in collaborative research via Innovation Vouchers, Innovation Partnerships and Applied Research Enhancement Centres.

“A critical element of our investment in R&D infrastructure is the Programme for Research in Third level Institutions (PRTLI). This Programme is of particular relevance to DIT and today’s event. PRTLI is an enabling investment, putting in place the bedrock of national research capacity in the higher education sector. This includes top-class research infrastructure that is buildings, laboratories and cutting edge equipment, as well as national shared facilities, and structured PhD programmes. It is about providing appropriate top-class facilities for Ireland’s research community while also providing training and education opportunities for our next generation of academics and entrepreneurs.

“I wish DIT, its staff, students and President, Professor Brian Norton continued success in all their various endeavours and particularly so in their efforts to develop innovation and entrepreneurship into the future.”