Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)

In the programme for Government a commitment has been given to establish a network of technology research centres that will accelerate the exploitation of new technologies and bridge the gap between research and technology commercialisation. The initial focus will be in the key areas of biotechnology, nanotechnology and high value manufacturing.

In establishing the technology research centre networks I intend to build on the existing infrastructure of relevant centres for science engineering and technology, CSETs, strategic research centres and competence centres currently in place. My intention is that over a period of time a programme will be devised that will put in place a structure, or structures, to deliver on this initiative. Experience has shown that the best results are delivered when such centres are established by means of a competitive process. In this way the best proposals come to the top, ideas can be generated and refined, collaborations established and both industry and research centres afforded an opportunity to define the most apposite agenda to bring together both the needs of the present and the opportunities of the future. This process will determine both the timing and location of the centres.

The programme for Government has committed to the initial establishment of three technology research centres, one in each of the fields of biotechnology, nanotechnology and high value manufacturing. The establishment of an applied biotechnology centre is timely because it will allow Ireland to fully capitalise on the very significant investments made in our basic research base since the late 1990s through highly talented people and the provision of world-class infrastructure. Nanotechnology is set to have a big impact on sectors which are important to the economy, in particular ICT, life sciences and the food sector. Ireland has made substantial investments in nanotechnology research, principally in CRANN in TCD and the Tyndall National Institute in UCC. A Forfás review of the nanotechnology infrastructure in Ireland proposed that the State should take a more proactive role in driving the commercialisation of nanotechnology, diversify funding and collaborate with industry and academia to deliver on key focus areas and leverage existing resources more fully.

The proposal to establish technology research centres can facilitate a transformational change, enabling Irish industry to exploit new opportunities. The timeframe for future centres will be determined by the progress and success of the three initial centres.

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