Sustainability of Research Centres - Advisory Science Council

A task force meeting of the ACSTI only members and subsequently a meeting of the full task force
were held to develop a list of key issues for sustainability of research centres and key methodological
aspects for the study. A key decision was made at this point that the study would focus on the State-
supported research centre landscape 27 .
A map of the Irish research centre landscape was developed by Forfás and this input report formed
one source of evidence for the study 28 .
Technopolis Ltd. were also commissioned by Forfás to develop the second key evidence base for the
study. This work focused on two key aspects of international comparison:
The first was based on mapping the mix and profile of research centre landscapes in three
comparator locations 29 (Sweden, Finland and Catalonia -as agreed by the task force), and
an investigation of the research centre oversight mechanisms that are in place in these
locations. This work was primarily based on desk research.
The second aspect of international comparison was based on determining the funding
models and sustainability issues of 12 Irish research centres and 19 comparator centres in
other locations 30 .
A workshop was held which focused on the comparison of the Irish research centre landscape with
those of the other locations mapped, and on the oversight mechanism. Representatives from
Enterprise Ireland and the Health Research Board also attended the workshop. The workshop
attendees provided guidance on the conclusions and recommendations to be drawn for these aspects
of the study.
An input report 31 was prepared for the study based on the national and international data and
information collected, and the analysis carried out. A set of initial findings and recommendations
were also developed and presented to the task force for their input.
Forfás subsequently developed the ACSTI report, based on the two underpinning reports and the
findings and recommendations agreed by the task force.
Further inputs were sought from a number of stakeholders including Enterprise Ireland, the Health
Research Board, IDA Ireland, Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation, Department of Education
and Science (DES), Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Vice Presidents/Deans of
Research Group of the Irish Universities Association and the Irish Universities Association Council.
27
It was decided not to include the numerous research centres that sit within the HEIs but do not receive specific funding streams from Government
departments or agencies.
28
The Publicly Funded Research Centre Landscape in Ireland in 2011, Forfás, 2012.
29
The comparator locations were selected based on a number of criteria: firstly, to be of an approximately similar size, in terms of their economy and
population, to Ireland (as compared to the larger European nations) and secondly, to represent economies whose innovation performance Ireland
aspired to match. In the case of Finland and Sweden their overall innovation performance was the selection factor, while Catalonia was selected for its
recent improvements in innovation performance particularly in terms of its success in attracting European funding.
30
Irish centres were selected to represent a mix of centres: of different size, whether programme and non- programme based, of different thematic
and different legal status (inside or outside the HEI legal structures) and from a range of different HEIs. Comparator centres were identified and
selected in accordance with a number of criteria including: success of the research centre (success was measured in terms of: successful evaluations;
longevity of centres, particularly in terms of diversification of funding beyond the term of its initial ‘core’ funding grant; strong international reputation
in terms of its expected outputs); similar objectives to the Irish centre (research excellence, industrial engagement etc.); disciplinary theme at a broad
level (e.g. life sciences, ICT etc.); scale (number of staff / funding levels); located within the three comparator locations; location of centres (within
universities, standalone, etc.); whether the centre has a physical presence or is a virtual centre across a number of locations. Data was collected via
questionnaire-based and interview-based consultations with centre managers, desk research, and interviews with country /regional policy makers and
programme managers.
31
Research Centres in Ireland: Funding Models, Oversight Mechanisms and Vision of a Future Research Centre Landscape, An independent report by
Technopolis Ltd. on behalf of Forfás, 2012.
Sustainability of Research Centres 7 June 2012