9th December 2019
The Minister for Training, Skills, Innovation and Research and Development, John Halligan TD, has welcomed the latest figures on Government investment in research and development (R&D) published today by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. These figures are provided by the Department to the CSO/Eurostat under Commission Regulation (EC) No. 995/2012.
The data in The Research and Development Budget 2018-2019 publication is compiled from a comprehensive survey of thirty Government Departments and Agencies. It shows that the Government spend on R&D was €765.7m in 2018 which marks an increase of 3.6% in expenditure over the previous year. It is estimated to increase in 2019 by a further 5.5% with allocated funding of €808.1m.
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and its Agencies (Science Foundation Ireland, InterTrade Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland) were responsible for almost half (47.6%) of all Government R&D investment in 2018 at €364.8m.
The report provides details of Government funded research programs and highlights the extent and variety of R&D being carried out in the country.
In addition, the report brings together the latest data on business, higher education and government agencies’ spending on R&D in Ireland. In 2018, Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) by all these sectors of the Irish economy was €3.704 billion. The highest expenditure on R&D continues to be within the business sector, which accounted for €2.778 billion or 75% of total GERD.
Minister Halligan said: "Research and Development are key drivers of competitiveness, productivity and economic growth. Ireland’s future economic growth and prosperity will depend in very large measure on our continued investment in R&D. This State investment is all about developing a competitive, knowledge-based economy and society, driving innovation in enterprise, building human capital and maximising the return on R&D investment for economic and social progress. It is encouraging to see the increased provision in 2019, especially given the competing demands and continuing pressure on public finances. This positive momentum must be maintained and we must continue to give R&D funding sufficient priority to ensure Ireland becomes a global innovation leader."
ENDS
For further information contact Press Office, D/Business, Enterprise and Innovation ph. 6312200 or press.office@dbei.gov.ie
Notes for Editors
The Report on The Research and Development Budget is available at: The R&D Budget 2018-2019
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) plays a key role in implementing the Government’s policies of stimulating the productive capacity of the economy and creating an environment which supports job creation and maintenance. The Department has lead responsibility for Irish policy on global trade and inward investment, research and innovation and a remit to promote fair competition in the marketplace, protect consumers and safeguard workers.
Back to Department News