European Commission - Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

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Technology Gateway Programme

Region
IRELAND›IRELAND›Southern
Title of measure
Full title in national language:
Technology Gateway Programme
Duration:
2018
Policy objectives Plus
1.2. Competitive funding of research
1.3. Research infrastructures
2.1. R&D cooperation projects between academy and industry
2.4. Demonstration projects, proto-types and proofs of concepts
Presentation of the measure:

The Technology Gateway Programme (formerly the Applied Research Enhancement programme, ARE) supports enterprise-focused capacity and capability building within the Institutes of Technology (IoT) in areas of interest to both regional and national industry. The objectives of the programme are to: (i) establish an applied research capability and a commercialisation research focus within the IoT; and (ii) build a research competency of the research team to compete successfully for national and international research funding.
 
The centres, focusing on ICT and software, materials, bio-medical devices and bio-life sciences and pharmaceuticals, will also enable regional development by introducing innovative technological solutions through collaboration with local industrial partners, and to help develop the next generation technology platforms for Irish based industry.

Keywords:
Applied business research
Research infrastructure
Science-industry cooperation
Budget, source and type of funding
Year2007200820092010201120122013
National public funds
Regional public funds
EU Structural funds
Private funds
Other
Form of funding provided
Grants
Policy learning
To what extent the measure can be considered as a success and worthy of policy learning?:
There is evidence of an impact of the measure based on verifiable indicators or an evaluation (e.g. sales generated from new products, jobs created, etc.)
Evidence of outcomes based on evaluation and other evidence:
An independent economic review of the programme carried out in 2016 on the impact of the Technology Gateway Network for partner companies found that:
•63% of companies reported the developmentof new products
• Improved technological knowledge (88%) and increase in the overall value of the company (46%) were the top two benefits cited
•71% of companies cited the development a culture of innovation within the company due to the Gateway collaboration
• Over one-third (39%) of companies managed to access further capital to develop their business
• 19% of companies report that they could not have grown or would not have survived without the support of the Technology Gateway
Moreover, successful collaborations often result in the Gateway becoming an extension of the company’s R&D facility over time, as it partners with the business along the innovation journey towards increased growth, sustainability and competitiveness.
What are the most important “Do’s and Don’ts” that regional stakeholders should be aware of when launching a similar measure?:
  • Recognise that HEIs can be at different starting points and some may need more assistance and time than others to get research activities to a level sufficient to work with industry.
  • Recognise that it takes time to build high research capacity in institutions with relatively low levels of research capacity (IoTs) deriving from a historical background as teaching institutions focusing on technical disciplines. 
  • Focus on a few priority technology clusters, endeavouring to build centres of excellence.
  • Reward demonstrated success.
  • Ensure that the measure programme team works closely with the applicant Institute, also involving experts from other relevant regional and national development agencies.
  • Agree an appropriate research agenda for the region between the relevant programme authorities and other development agencies and the Institution.
  • Look to achieve a sectoral balance and try to avoid/accentuate disparities within the region.
Would you recommend this measure as an example of regional good practice to policy-makers from other regions ?:
Yes
Organisation(s) responsible
Enterprise Ireland
Evaluation report(s)
Accessing the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network
Technology Getaway Programme - Delivering innovative solutions for industry nationwide