The business group IBEC has called on the government to create a single web portal for access to information on research and development (R&D) funding.
The group said that due to the range and variety of supports available, many organisations were not fully aware of what is on offer. Highlighting entrepreneurs, it argued that it was particularly difficult for them in setting up new businesses to get the information required.
The portal, IBEC argues, would help companies navigate the "maze" of R&D funding opportunities. The group has published a new guide to R&D funding opportunities available to Irish companies. Entitled "Unlock the Opportunities", the guide identifies over thirty specific supports available for research activities from over fourteen state and semi-state agencies and over €11 billion alone being made available by the European Commission.
"We need to make it easier for companies to access funding," said Brendan Butler, director of Policy, IBEC. "There has been a lack of clear information on the wide range of assistance available to companies for research, development and innovation activities. It can be quite daunting and time-consuming for companies to navigate the sheer amount of different supports available-this problem is particularly acute for people starting a new business.
"Almost 50% of companies in Ireland are now carrying out some form of innovative activities. Evidence shows that past use of these types of support has boosted the export resilience of those companies, making them more competitive in the global market place. Companies can use the information contained in the guide to select the approach that best suits their ambitions."
The guide is the most comprehensive guide of its kind, according to IBEC, and covers venture capital, Government support, funding and grants, incentives in the taxation system and research collaborations in Ireland’s higher education institutions.
The guide is available at www.ibec.ie/researchguide
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