National Consultation on the Future of Research and Innovation

A national public consultation to hear people’s views on the future of Ireland as a world leader in research and innovation has been launched.

The online public consultation process will take place over the coming weeks. In addition, key stakeholders across research, innovation, industry and civic society, will engage in a number of discussion forums. The outcomes from these consultation processes will help inform the National Research and Innovation Strategy.

Find more information on how to make a submission to the online consultation.

The aim of the public consultation is to develop the next National Research and Innovation Strategy, which will build the capacity and capability of the research and innovation system to tackle the big issues facing our country, from the expansion of digital capabilities, underpinning economic strength, fighting climate change and future-proofing Ireland against unprecedented crises.

Minister Harris today called on members of the public, as well as the research and innovation community, to have their say by submitting suggestions on how Ireland can place research and innovation at the heart of addressing the country’s greatest economic and societal challenges.

National Consultation on the Future of Research and Innovation

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris said:

“This is an opportunity to help shape the Irish research and innovation landscape and policy direction for years to come.

“This national strategy will set a vision and ambition for Ireland’s research and innovation system to rival that of any other country. We want to build a world class environment for research and innovation and make excellence our consistent goal.

“To achieve this we must tackle the big challenges – I’m talking about climate change, ensuring we are digitally agile, giving small businesses the opportunity to allow research and innovation drive their growth, and creating a higher education environment where our research talent can expand and flourish.

“We have seen over the last year how essential our access to world class research and expertise has been in addressing and adapting to the challenges rising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous investment in research and innovation placed us in a position to face the crisis, and so too will research and innovation be our best tools in shaping the future of Ireland as we begin our recovery.

“We want to hear from both the research and innovation community and the wider public about their views on key strategic priorities and actions as we set out on an ambitious and transformative pathway to build capacity and capability across the entire research and innovation system in the coming years.”