The provost of Trinity College Dublin, Dr Patrick Prendergast, has been named as one of 12 new appointments to the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) governing board.
The EIT promotes sustainable growth and competitiveness by reinforcing the innovation capacity of the EU and is steered by a governing body consisting of 22 members representing a balance of leading individuals active in the education, research and business sectors.
The EIT Governing Board is responsible for the EIT's overall strategy and for the selection, coordination and evaluation of the 'knowledge and innovation communities' (KICs) that bring together higher education institutions, research centres and businesses to address problems such as climate change and sustainable energy.
The EIT Governing Board will oversee the implementation of the EIT's Strategic Innovation Agenda (SIA), proposed by the European Commission. This will provide the impetus for creating up to 600 start-up companies and training 10,000 masters students, and 10,000 PhDs in new curricula combining excellent science and a strong entrepreneurship component.
Dr Prendergast said: "I am deeply honoured and aim to bring my knowledge and understanding of excellence in higher education and research in making a meaningful contribution to sustainable growth."
European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth Androulla Vassiliou said: "I am delighted with the composition of the new board and I am sure that the new members will make a lasting contribution to attaining the EIT's objectives. Now, more than ever, we need talented people like them to steer the direction of innovation in Europe."
TechCentral Reporters