Why was the taskforce established?

Last June, Taoiseach Brian Cowen appointed the taskforce to advise the Government on options to increase innovation and entrepreneurship. The report is intended to feed into the Government’s “smart economy” strategy announced in December 2008.

What is meant by “innovation”?

The taskforce uses the OECD definition of innovation as the framework for its report. According to the OECD, innovation “entails investment aimed at producing new knowledge and using it in various applications. It results from the interaction of a range of complementary assets which include research and development, but also software, human capital, design, marketing and new organisational structures – many of which are essential for reaping the productivity gains and efficiencies from new technologies”.

What is the aim of the report?

The overall objective of the taskforce is to position Ireland as an “International Innovation Development Hub”. The report aims to identify key areas of innovation that will enhance productivity and promote sustainable growth in the Irish economy. The taskforce has been examining options to increase the level of innovation in Ireland and to increase commercialisation of research and development. It is hoped this will both accelerate the growth of indigenous enterprise and to attract foreign direct investment.

Who is on the taskforce?

The taskforce is chaired by the secretary general of the Department of the Taoiseach Dermot McCarthy. Membership includes representatives from private-sector industry, third-level institutions and relevant Government departments and agencies such as Science Foundation Ireland, the Higher Education Authority and Enterprise Ireland.

SUZANNE LYNCH