merrion street

The Minister of State for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock TD, today (Monday 29

) attended the European Institute of Innovation and Technology conference in Trinity College Dublin.

The conference is considering the impact of investments by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and its role in fostering innovation across the European Union (EU). EIT will form an important part of the EU’s Horizon 2020 research programme for the next seven years and the conference will also consider the linkages between EIT and other EU initiatives.

EIT focuses exclusively on integrating the knowledge triangle of higher education, research and business. It funds large-scale projects that are addressing Europe’s societal challenges, and which bring together representatives of the knowledge triangle across Europe.

Welcoming delegates to the conference, Minister Sherlock said: "EIT and its unique approach to innovation, with its clear focus on the integration of the knowledge triangle, has the powerful potential to deliver a real change in the EU’s innovation landscape.

"Bringing together these key actors in the innovation chain, each with their own perspective and expertise, provides a truly holistic approach to innovation and provides a platform for achieving real impact."

Earlier this year, Minister Sherlock announced funding of €300,000 aimed at maximising Ireland’s opportunities in accessing EIT funding. This national funding will be used to bring together strong Irish consortia of higher education, research and industry partners that can collaborate with European counterparts in applications for funding from EIT.