Innovation is the life blood for companies in an increasingly competitive marketplace and plays a vital role in raising productivity and profitability, according to Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Ms Harney.
The Tanaiste was speaking at the launch of the Innovation Awards, which will be held on an all-Ireland basis for the first time in 2002.
The awards, which are sponsored by The Irish Times, are jointly organised by Forfás in the Republic through its Science, Technology and Innovation Awareness Programme, and by InterTradeIreland and Invest Northern Ireland on behalf of the Office of Science and Technology in Northern Ireland.
They are designed to highlight the importance of innovation and technology in business throughout the island of Ireland.
"It is our aim, through these awards, to encourage and motivate companies to welcome new ideas and create a dynamic business environment centred on continuous improvement and competitive advantage," said Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment in the Northern Ireland Executive.
Awards are presented in four categories - small business; medium business; large business; and new technology-based business. Each category winner will receive €5,000 and the overall winner, to be selected from among the four category winners, will receive an additional €10,000.
Dr William O'Kane, R&D director, Seagate Technology Ireland, will chair the judging panel, which includes Mr Finbar Costello, director, The Software Vinyard; Mr Donal O'Connor, Cruickshank & Company; Mr Mark Earnshaw, Murgitroyd & Company; Dr Martin Naughton, chairman, Glen Dimplex; and Professor Fabian Monds, chairman, Invest Northern Ireland.
Application forms and further information can be obtained from Ms Liz Roche, Forfás at 01-6073009 or www.science.ie; and Ms Diane Dowey, InvestNI, at +44-28-92623262.
