Appendix B: EOLAS innovation support programmes

As part of its new national role EOLAS operates a number of programmes which aim to develop industry by the cost effective application of science and technology. These are:

* LINKING COLLEGES AND INDUSTRY
* PUTTING SKILLS INTO COMPANIES
* BUILDING ON COMPETENCE IN COLLEGES* HELPING RESEARCHERS COMPETE IN EUROPE

1. LINKING COLLEGES AND INDUSTRY

Joint Industry/Higher Education R&D

Support is available for projects of an immediate or medium term commercial nature, where the bulk of the work is to be carried out using college expertise or resources. Grants are negotiable up to 50% of eligible costs, which include salaries, materials and equipment.

EOLAS can provide a link between college staff and companies.

Further details: DR MARTIN LYES

RTC - Industry Partnership Programme

This programme is restricted to the Regional Technical Colleges. These colleges have not traditionally been involved in interaction with companies, although they undoubtedly have a major role to play in regional development. The programme supports joint R & D between the college and one or more companies in the region.

Further details: DR ANN SAUNDERS

2. PUTTING SKILLS INTO COMPANIES

Scientists and Engineers Employment Programme (STEP)

Support is available for the placement of graduates in small and medium sized companies to provide work experience for the graduate and to help upgrade the level of technology in the company.

Such graduates can be placed individually or as part of a technology transfer arrangement between the college and the company. Grant support covers mainly salary costs.

Further details: MS JOAN NOONAN

Teaching Company Scheme

The purpose of this scheme is to help companies to make a significant development in their use of technology. To do this support is given towards the employment by the company of an experienced graduate. The contract is usually for a three year period. Support is also given to allow the graduate and the company to maintain a link with a college or research institute.

Further details: DR MARTIN LYES

3. BUILDING ON COMPETENCE IN COLLEGES

National Strategic Research Programme

This programme is aimed at developing and sustaining a viable national competence in technologies which are vital to Irish industrial development in the medium term. Support is available for strategic R&D projects in the areas of:

Information Technology Biotechnologies Engineering/Materials Technologies

Grants are negotiable up to 100% of eligible costs. Industrial involvement is desirable and in cases may be mandatory.

Further details DR MARTlN LYES

Facility Usage Scheme

This is a small scheme to promote the cost effective use of major national research facilities e.g. the National Microelectronics Research Centre and the Telecom Eireann network, by researchers in the Higher Education sector.

Further details: DR BRIAN O'DONNELL.

4. HELPING RESEARCHERS COMPETE IN EUROPE

Co-operative Research Visits

Support is available to fund the travel costs of the Irish researchers who wish to either (i) develop their contacts with European researchers with a view to submitting proposals for EEC Research programmes or (ii) acquire or use skills, techniques, equipment which are of relevance to the needs of Irish industry.

Such visits are usually of short duration and support is only partial.

Further details: DR ANN SAUNDERS

E.E.C. Research Programmes

The European Commission operates a range of R & D Programmes which are open to Irish researchers, and are aimed at developing a technological base for European industry. There are many benefits for Irish researchers including access to European industry, very large research budgets, and the opportunity to make links across Europe. Eolas executives represent Ireland on many of the committees which formulate and administer these programmes and they are prepared to advise and assist researchers who wish to submit proposals.

Further details: MS GRAlNNE Nl UID

4 Major Programmes to Support Innovation

THE IRISH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENCY

Glasnevin. Dublin 9. Ireland. Tel :- 01-370101
Fax 01-379020 Telex 32501