Dr. Ivana Capozza:

They can and should play an important role in a green and just transition. The State can do a lot, for example by promoting eco-innovation. We noted that research and development funding from the State has increased but it is not enough. There is significant capacity for eco-innovation and adoption of new technology by both large multinationals and local firms. For example, the support for research and development, and for innovation more generally, should be better targeted towards small and medium enterprises. This is something that the State could do. The Deputy mentioned the State as a purchaser of green products and services, while there is significant room for manoeuvre. There is a green public procurement policy in Ireland but it is not mandatory, so one of our recommendations is to make this policy mandatory, because this would increase demand for green products and services and encourage not only publicly-owned enterprises but also privately-owned enterprises to produce more green services and products.