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With a multitude of leading scientific research activity and world class universities, Ireland provides a rich business base with abundant, highly-qualified labour force. Ireland has a dynamic research and development sector, which is propelled by a firm alliance between industry, academia, and government agencies.

The Irish Government firmly supports the Research and Development activity in Ireland, and has developed its Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation. The strategy delivers funding and support to stimulate innovation across industry sectors, and in research and education.

So far the Government`s Strategy to develop the Smart Economy is on target with the following developments:
 

• Between 2008 and 2009, the number of investments in Research & Development and Innovation increased by 10%, equating to 49% of all investments secured throughout the year.
• Key investors included IBM, Boston Scientific, Citi, Intel, Pfizer, Helsinn, HP, Paypal, Colgate-Palmolive, Alps Electric and SITA, with the level of RD&I investments in excess of €500m.
• There is a flexible 25% tax credit on the cost of eligible RD&I activity, and of any building with a 35% RD&I activity level over four years, which is a significant part of the Government support available.

RD&I Agencies in Ireland, Supporting R&D in Business:

Science Foundation Ireland - SFI is the national foundation for excellence in scientific research. SFI invests in academic investigators and research teams, in order to produce new knowledge, a competitive business base in Ireland, and cutting edge technology in the Science and Engineering sectors. Sub sectors within these broad headings include Biotechnology, ICT and Renewable Energy.

Enterprise Ireland - EI develops and promotes the Business sector in Ireland. Mission: "To accelerate the development of world class Irish companies in all sectors including pharmaceutical, to achieve strong positions in global markets resulting in increased national and regional prosperity."

NIBRT - IDA funds NIBRT, (National Institute for Bioprocessing, Research and Development), an institute that offers training and research solutions for the bioprocessing industry. NIBRT is built around a modern partnership between Dublin City University, University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, and Sligo Institute of Technology. NIBRT`s responsibility is to sustain the development of the existing Irish bioprocessing industry. It also works to attract additional bioprocessing companies, by:
 

• Providing training to highly skilled personnel
• Carrying out world-class research in significant areas of bioprocessing.

Universities In Ireland
 

• University of Ulster (at Belfast)
•  University College Cork (UCC)
•  University College Dublin (UCD)
• Dublin City University
• National College of Art and Design
• National College of Ireland (NCI)
• University of Limerick (UL)
• Queens University, Belfast
• Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
• University of Ulster, Derry
• Trinity College (University of Dublin)
• National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG)
• National University of Ireland, Maynooth (NUIM)

Institutes of Technology in Ireland
 

• Institute of Technology, Athlone
• Institute of Technology, Dublin
• Institute of Technology, Galway-Mayo
• Institute of Technology, Limerick
• Institute of Technology, Letterkenny
• Institute of Technology, Tralee
• Institute of Technology, Waterford
• Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown
• Institute of Technology, Carlow
• Institute of Technology, Cork
• Institute of Technology Cork - Electronic Engineering
• Institute of Technology, Dundalk
• Institute of Technology, Sligo
• Institute of Technology, Tallaght