HIGHER EDUCATION research and development (RD) spending almost quadrupled in 10 years, a report from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has found. The investment has brought Ireland up to the EU average for such expenditure.
The First Report on the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006 - 2013, published today, also found 40 per cent of the 114 new projects the IDA negotiated in 2007 were RD investments.
In June 2006, the Government adopted a seven-year strategy for science and technology aiming to make Ireland "renowned for the excellence of its research" by 2013. In 2007 and 2008, over €1.4 billion was invested in science, technology and innovation, the report said, with total spending on RD almost trebling over 10 years and higher education RD spending almost quadrupling.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan said that "by sustaining our strategic investment in RD, we will realise economic and employment wins".
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said: "Government initiatives such as the programme for research in third-level institutions, SFI and the RD investments in health, agriculture, marine, environment and energy are contributing to the development of a world-class research base."
