Enterprise Innovation Network - EI Launch
25th of September 2008
We are delighted to announce the Enterprise Ireland launch of the new Enterprise Innovation Network Scheme (EIN). Dr. Jimmy Devins T.D, Minister for Science Technology and Innovation launched the EIN Scheme at the Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin.
EIN, devised and funded by Enterprise Ireland, will provide resources, on a competitive basis, to industry groups to enable them to play a role in promoting Innovation, Research and Development to the benefit of Irish industry. IRDG, the Irish Software Association (ISA) and the Construction IT Alliance (CITA) were awarded contracts over a 3-year period.
Making the announcement Minister Devins said; "The Enterprise Innovation Network is a welcome initiative to provide support from the exchequer for the development of cutting edge, innovative enterprise in Ireland. This initiative gives the Irish Software Association, the Construction IT Alliance and the Industry Research & Development Group the resources to introduce their members to Research & Development. As they speak the same language, the industry groups are the best placed to deliver advice and support their member companies in how to utilise Research & Development to transform their businesses".
Feargal Ó Móráin, Executive Director of Enterprise Ireland, welcomed the announcement saying;"Enterprise Ireland recognises that the IRDG, ISA and CITA have established trust and shared experiences with their members. Enterprise Ireland is making this investment to enable the groups to build on the strong relationships they already have with their member companies to provide independent and experience-based advice on the innovation and R&D options open to companies in Ireland”.
This initiative is the latest recommendation of the Government’s Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-2013 to be put into action. The overall Strategy amounts to a commitment of €8.2 billion over the period 2007 to 2013, aimed at building the skills needed for a modern knowledge-based economy and strengthening Ireland’s research base.
