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Cork takes the lead in Innovation - Martin

Posted on 01/09/10 by Micheál Martin

Cork business and colleges have emerged as national leaders in a Government scheme to promote innovation and research, according to Fianna Fáil TD and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin.

"The fact that Cork City and County have emerged as the top locations for using the Government’s Innovation Voucher Scheme, which I launched as Minister for Enterprise three years ago, shows that our local businesses are meeting the current economic challenges and looking to the future."

"Under the scheme small and medium sized firms in Cork receive a voucher valued at €5,000 which they can then use to purchase the services of experts in Colleges and Institutions. Nationally a milestone has been reached with the issuing of the 1,000th Voucher."

"Cork has accounted for over 10% of all projects completed – University College Cork has completed 68 projects while Cork Institute of Technology has completed 58 projects."

"The scheme has helped small firms to explore how they can play their part in building the knowledge economy.

 

"The vouchers have brought firms and researchers together in finding innovative ways to overcome challenges and give products a more competitive and commercial edge for the marketplace."

 

"The knowledge providers offer valuable advice and expertise to small Irish firms that want to scale their output and compete for business by adopting a more innovative approach."

"The scheme has been an enormous success and has given the small companies which form the backbone of our economy access to expertise which they otherwise would not be able to tap into."

"A new round of applications for vouchers is going to commence on October 1st, in the meantime I would encourage all Cork companies to examine in what area of their business they require support and to consider putting a bid in for a voucher. In addition companies can come together and group their vouchers for more substantial projects."

"I want to congratulate UCC and CIT as well as the local businesses who have clearly embraced this important scheme", concluded Minister Martin.

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