February 2024
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This conference discussed next steps for research and innovation policy and funding.
It brought stakeholders together with policymakers to examine key issues for sectors and organisations involved in R&I, including the progress of Ireland’s national R&I strategy Impact 2030, and what recent proposed changes might mean for key stakeholders.
As it took place following the publication of the draft Research and Innovation Bill in April 2023, which seeks to combine the two national funding bodies for R&I in Ireland into one unified funding agency, Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland, delegates assessed the potential benefits and challenges of a joined-up funding agency and what will be needed from the agency to support R&I across disciplines in Ireland.
Areas for discussion included clarity in the definition of research terms within the new Bill, improving diversity and developing parity of esteem across sectors of research, and positioning R&I as a driver of regional economic and social development.
Further sessions examined best practice within R&I ecosystems from other jurisdictions, as well as key priorities for the research workforce and achieving a robust and joined-up R&I network, considering the role that clusters can play in this.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Professor Ellen Hazelkorn, Joint Managing Partner, BH Associates, Dublin; and Professor Emeritus, Technological University Dublin; Dr Joseph Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, THEA; and Dr Lisa Keating, Director of Research and Innovation, Irish Universities Association.
Overall, areas for discussion included:
- policy: priorities for the Research and Innovation Bill - progress of Impact 2030 - the role of Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland
- finance: investment priorities and addressing funding shortfalls
- international standing: options for restoring Ireland’s high-standing position as an innovation leader amongst EU member states
- R&I workforce: addressing skills shortages in key innovation areas - tackling instances of precarious employment - improving researcher retention - addressing brain drain concerns
- technical universities: developing the R&I capacity in new TUs - understanding how success can boost regional development
- Ireland’s R&I ecosystem: fostering and developing clustering and networks - promoting knowledge transfer and exchange - capitalising on the value of national and international cooperation
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the DFHERIS; DoH; DAERA, NI; Department for the Economy, NI; and The Oireachtas.
