Introduction

The objective of Ibec innovation, science and technology policy is to ensure appropriate strategies, systems and resources are put in place to support competitiveness and economic growth. Investment in innovation and knowledge development is a key factor in driving sustainable economic growth. Our aim is to drive innovation at the business level, build the skills base and maximise the return on R&D investment for economic and social progress.

What we do
Ibec works with member organisations to ensure that the appropriate support and structures are in place to promote innovation, enterprise and R&D in Ireland. Ibec interacts with key stakeholders such as the Department of Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation, the Department of Education and Skills, Enterpise Ireland, IDA and the European Commission.

How we develop policy

The Ibec innovation, science and technology committee brings together senior representatives from a range of business sectors to shape Ibec’s position on R&D policy issues and influence national innovation policy. The group acts as a board for the Ibec executives with responsibility for these critical areas, overseeing their work programme and the delivery of associated policy campaigns. The Committee is chaired by Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland.

In 2016 will have a particular interest in tracking the implementation and delivery of Innovation 2020 – the government’s new strategy for research and development, science and technology.

The objective of the Ibec innovation, science and technology committee is to:

Provide leadership and a collective voice to Irish business in relation to innovation, science and technology policy;
Identify the key issues that are impacting and will continue to impact on business from an innovation, skills and technology perspective;
Promote the development of a strong, internationally competitive innovation system;
Develop thinking in relation to these issues and inform a programme of work that will begin to address them;
Engage with key stakeholders from relevant agencies and government departments to advance the business view and to support business R&D activity;
Identify and promote the business opportunities presented by innovation, science and technology