New Connections - Department of Taoiseach

(5.1.1) Technological Infrastructure/NDPCMNR• Contribute to balanced regional development by strengthening the technologicalinfrastructure of the regions and matching them to the needs of enterpriseNo information submitted(5.1.2) Regional Development/Infrastructure• Contribute to balanced regional development by strengthening the technologicalinfrastructure of the regions and matching them to the needs of enterpriseETEUpdateEnterprise Ireland is taking a clear and pro-active leadership role in the regionsto assist client companies in accessing and using technology. The aim is to buildinnovative regions where the business environment is supportive, where there aregood networks and linkages, and where companies are provided with theexpertise and support to diagnose their technology needs. Initiatives include:• Entrepreneurial training in regional locations through the enterprise platform initiative.This initiative brings entrepreneurs into the regions where they are supported todevelop business plans. All participants on these initiatives are required to haveprevious experience in industry. Experience has shown that these entrepreneurssubsequently stay within the region. Over 70% have businesses that are based oninformation.• Regional incubators (see above)• Two networks have been established with Tecnet, involving all the Institutes ofTechnology and the Atlantic University Alliance. The resources of these groups will bedirected to client companies to create and sustain flexible relationships between theresearch and technology community within the college and local industry.(5.1.3) 3rd Level Institutions/NDPES• Increase the quantity and quality of the R&D linkages between companies andbetween third level institutions and companies• Develop a world class research environment in our higher education institutions andState research agencies• Ensure a vibrant and dynamic pool of high quality, technically literate graduates,from the graduate to postdoctoral levels, to service the needs of a knowledge-basedeconomyUpdateThe HEA in its recent publication ‘Creating and Sustaining the Information Society’identified the issue of R&D linkages between companies and third level institutes as one41