Ms Claire McGee:

I thank the Deputy for the question. She has really highlighted the challenges that SMEs have. We have presented about apprenticeships here but it is the same for engagement with the innovation system. First, I frame SMEs as the true innovators. They spotted a gap in the market and built a business around it. How do we encourage them to continue on that innovation journey? The other part is that many SMEs in Ireland are parts of global supply chains. The challenges of the supply chains are always pushed back onto those SMEs to solve. They are continually trying to address some of the bigger issues which the partner companies that they engage with are always trying to address.

We need to ensure that the decisions SMEs are making are helpful and that they understand and can see an avenue into this system. That is why the innovation voucher scheme is helpful. It is why we have presented a voucher scheme for training, in particular. The programmes currently funded under the National Training Fund involve a lot of administration and scaffolding. They may not acutely align with the strategic missions of SMEs or their need at a particular time. SMEs have a particular problem that they may not realise is a skills issue. Using a voucher system to engage with an institution, be that an ETB, technological university or research centre, gives them the opportunity to see beyond their front door and to see that perhaps their acute need could be solved by the extension of a workbench. SMEs get to use equipment within those institutions. They may require to hire a particular researcher. There could be graduate opportunities. They may require particular management or digitalisation skills. The provision of a voucher scheme gives ownership and power to SMEs.