Published in July 2004, the ESG's report outlined the challenges and opportunities facing the enterprise sector in Ireland over the coming decade. It also outlined the measures government and industry needed to take if Ireland was to meet those challenges and capitalise on the opportunities. The report, which was chaired by Eoin O Driscoll, concluded that up till now -- Ireland's principal enterprise strengths have been in the operational aspects of manufacturing and services rather than in markets and product development. However, in order to stay competitive going forward the study suggested that there were a number of advantages required -- these included expertise in markets, expertise in technology-product and service development, world class skills, education and training, an attractive taxation regime and an effective, agile government.
On Thursday, Michael Martin, minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment outlined details of an "Enterprise Action Plan" following government approval of the report. The government intends to fully implement 70 percent of the 51 recommendations made in the ESG study and deliver partial or modified implementation of all bar two of the remaining recommendations.
"The government welcomes the broad thrust of the report and recognises that the issues identified for priority attention are those that the government considers critical to future economic growth," said Minister Martin.
"If Ireland is to continue to operate successfully within a constantly changing and highly competitive global environment, we in government and industry must take new and innovative measures to ensure our continued excellence in this new knowledge based global economy. I believe the Action Plan which I now propose will pave the way to meet future challenges and to exploit increased opportunities."
The key recommendations endorsed by the government include establishing a joint working group involving SFI, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Forfas to ensure the most effective implementation of an R&D and innovation co-ordination structure within Enterprise Ireland. Known as "Technology Ireland", the structure would have its own budget and its remit would be to develop a cohesive, strategic and focused approach to market-led applied research and technological development.
The joint working group is currently developing proposals to meet the targets set out in the national R&D Action Plan. These include the aim of seeing business expenditure on R&D increase from EUR1.1 billion in 2003 to EUR2.5 billion in 2010. In recognition of the importance of this challenge, the spend on R&D by Enterprise Ireland is planned to increase from EUR72 million in 2004 to EUR92 million in 2005. A new Cabinet Sub-Committee on R&D has also been established and been charged with responsibility to provide a detailed road-map towards the achievement of a 2.5 percent spend on R&D.
The government also showed its support for the establishment of networks to meet strategic objectives in areas like training. Enterprise Ireland is to develop a programme to examine new networking models.
In addition, Minister Martin has directed a complete re-engineering of Enterprise Ireland's overseas and marketing support division in light of the growing internationalisation of Irish companies. Moreover, the government agreed with the ESG's recommendation that there should be greater co-ordination between Forfas, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. The Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment in consultation with the agencies under its remit, is now set to identify any co-ordination problems and find the most suitable mechanisms to address them.
The Minister has also asked FAS and Enterprise Ireland to work together to expand and develop the existing FAS Graduate programme. The government has also endorsed the "One Step Up" initiative which aims to assist people with low levels of qualifications working in low-level occupations.
Lastly, the government is set to establish an Expert Group to advise on implementing of the ESG's recommendations.
Autor: Charlie Taylor
Quelle: ElectricNews, 24.02.2005
