Innovation Taskforce
In 2009 the Taoiseach, Mr, Brian Cowen T. D. appointed the Innovation Taskforce to advise the Government on its strategy for positioning Ireland as an International Innovation Development Hub and to assist in making the Smart Economy a reality.
The Government’s strategy for the Smart Economy ‘Building Ireland’s Smart Economy: a Framework for SustainableEconomic Renewal’ was published in December 2008. The Taskforce is examining options to increase levels of innovation and the rates of commercialisation of research and development on a national basis, with a view to accelerating the growth of indigenous enterprise and to attract new knowledge intensive direct investment, building on the existing Government Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI).
This is reflected in the Terms of Reference of the Taskforce.
The Taskforce is chaired by Mr. Dermot McCarthy, Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach. Membership of the Taskforce includes representatives from the private sector, Third Level Education and relevant Government Departments and Agencies. The Taskforce has been asked to submit its report to Government within six months of its first meeting, which was held on 17th July 2009.
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To assist and inform it in its work, the Taskforce issued a public request for submissions from interested parties. 113 submissions were received and reviewed by members of the Taskforce and fed into its deliberations on the content of its Report. A Summary of the Submissions received is available here. To view copies of the submissions received click here.
The fifth meeting of the Taskforce was held in Government Buildings on Friday 29th January 2010. The main item for discussion at the meeting was a draft of the Taskforce report, which will be published in March 2010.
If you have any questions or would like any further information please contact the Secretariat.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Taskforce