Ireland seeks to ‘maximise’ Horizon 2020 funding

The Irish Minister for Small Business, John Perry, has set out key ways that Ireland can maximise its participation in Horizon 2020.

Answering a question in the Oireachtas from opposition MP Dara Calleary on whether the government had a plan for Horizon 2020, Perry said that the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation “has been instrumental in putting in place an all-of-Government strategy to maximise the funding available to Ireland”. He explained that a high-level group has been established to identify key areas of opportunity where Irish researchers, agencies and companies can maximise their participation.

Speaking to MPs in the Dáil, the minister said: “A support network of national contact points co-ordinated by Enterprise Ireland has been established. This network comprises knowledgeable and experienced practitioners from relevant departments who have been charged with the job of delivery.

“The national strategy for Horizon 2020 also provides for all relevant government departments and agencies to allocate the necessary resources for its full implementation. The high level group will monitor Ireland’s participation under the programme, as well as implementation of the national strategy.”

The Irish Government has set a target of obtaining up to €1.25bn in research and technology funding under Horizon 2020. Calleary said the government did not have a plan for achieving this goal.