Food Research Ireland - Department of Agriculture

5.2.2 MEASURING RETURNS ON STATE SUPPORTED R&D
The Innovation taskforce recommended that “a study should be
undertaken to identify a model for measuring direct and indirect economic
returns from public investment in R&D in Ireland to inform decision-making
on investment priorities and refine the framework of performance
indicators for science, technology and innovation investments”.
The Taskforce recognises that measuring the impact of state investment
in R&D is not without its difficulties. The metrics used range from
publications, patents, and people to the number and value of academic
collaborations, the average number of years of industry experience
which academics have obtained during their careers, the number of new
products developed and the number of innovations adopted by industry
etc. Notwithstanding the difficulties of capturing both the relevant and
appropriate quantitative and qualitative data, it would be important for
any action plan to develop metrics that are meaningful to the
stakeholders involved and to develop a process by which these metrics
are evaluated. However, it may be prudent to await the action plans
developed from the National Research Prioritisation Study before
finalizing the metrics for Food Research Ireland.
5.3 CONCLUDING REMARK
To ensure success, it is vital that investments made in delivering on the
research objectives of Food Research Ireland are fully aligned and utilise
the structures and instruments above to ensure optimal
commercialisation and industry benefit from the State’s investment in
food research.
Food Research Ireland
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