Powering the Smart Economy : Science Foundation Ireland Strategy 2009-2013
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Science Foundation Ireland, 'Powering the Smart Economy : Science Foundation Ireland Strategy 2009-2013', [report], Science Foundation Ireland, 2009Download Item:
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Abstract:
Executive Summary: Science, technology and knowledge-driven enterprises have become increasingly important to economic success in a globalised market. This has been recognised for some time by the Irish Government, who have made an unprecedented national commitment to scientific research, technological development and innovation in recent years. This commitment is reflected in the National Development Plan 2007-2013, in the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) 2006 - 2013, and, most recently, in Building Ireland’s Smart Economy: A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal, published at the end of 2008. The fact that this commitment was reiterated at a time of increasing economic pressure underlines the seriousness of the Government’s intent. Science Foundation Ireland’s (SFI) strategy over the coming five years is to make sure that certain key elements of the Government’s plans are realised. In the short time since it was established in 2000, SFI has repositioned Ireland in the world of scientific research, from a relatively poor under-performer to a significant force in the strategically important areas of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Biotechnology (BIO). The recent addition of Sustainable Energy & Energy Efficient Technologies (hereafter referred to as ENERGY) to SFI’s remit presents the organisation with the opportunity to make a contribution to two of the most urgent issues facing the country: energy security and climate change. Over the next five-year period, SFI intends to maintain the momentum of the past five years, to firmly establish Ireland as a centre for excellent research in leading areas of science and technology. SFI activities have become increasingly relevant to the economy, and the strategy for the next five years will continue this trend, in the belief that high-quality scientific research and researchers are the drivers needed to develop Ireland into a high-value, knowledge-based economy. In the years immediately ahead, SFI will further align its activities with the Government’s Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) 2006-2013 and will contribute significantly to the delivery of the vision set out in Building Ireland’s Smart Economy. This envisages an exemplary research, innovation and commercialisation system at the core of the Smart Economy and a move away from fossil-fuel based energy production through investment in renewable energy and increased energy efficiency. The task of SFI in this context will be to build scale in its research activities, while maintaining a high level of scientific excellence and an acute awareness of enterprise needs and commercial potential. Over the period of this Strategic Plan, SFI will focus on four strategic objectives: 1. Human Capital: Build a critical mass of internationally competitive research teams in the sciences and engineering underpinning BIO, ICT, and ENERGY, such that: The Irish workforce is upskilled to the needs of a high-tech economy -- The absorptive capacity of the country is such that it can identify, acquire and incorporate externally developed technologies, and -- Ireland is well placed to attract and grow high-value enterprises. 2. Quality Output: Ensure that SFI-funded research teams continue to produce the highest quality output, as this is the best external endorsement of the scientific value obtained from research investment. 3. Global Reputation: Increase Ireland’s global reputation as a location of excellent scientific research and as a source of human and knowledge capital, such that businesses creating next-generation products and services are attracted to and retained in Ireland. 4. Knowledge Transfer: Provide quality inputs to the technology transfer/ translational industries in Ireland, and grow partnerships that facilitate the expansion of the national RDI footprint, to ensure that research is optimally exploited for the benefit of Irish society. The realisation of these interdependent objectives will deliver the basis for a prosperous and sustainable smart economy. The strategy for the next five years increases the emphasis on linkages between scientific excellence and economic impact. SFI’s programmes will be focused more directly on developing and sustaining the underpinning components of the Smart Economy in the areas of greatest strategic value to Ireland’s long-term competitiveness and development.
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Science Foundation IrelandPublisher:
Science Foundation Ireland
Author: Science Foundation Ireland
Corporate name:
Science Foundation IrelandPublisher:
Science Foundation IrelandType of material:
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