Explore how Ireland develops talent and drives innovation through research, education and industry collaboration. Research centres, industry partnerships and government support programmes create an innovation ecosystem that helps businesses access top talent and accelerate technology development.
Ireland’s ability to support innovation is closely connected to its research and education system. Research Ireland Centres bring together academia, government and industry to support research, develop talent and strengthen Ireland’s position as a knowledge and innovation economy. The Centres were established in 2012 and operate across strategic areas including artificial intelligence, medtech, agri-tech, energy, advanced manufacturing, health, materials, bioeconomy and future communications.
The Research Ireland Centres support both research and talent development. They provide advanced training for PhD students and early-career researchers, helping to develop the next generation of research and industry leaders. The network has also built strong international and industry connections. Research Ireland reports partnerships with 812 global research organisations and 900 collaborative research agreements with 470 companies worldwide, including 230 companies in Ireland. The Centres cover a wide range of specialist areas, including software, data analytics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, energy, climate and future communications.
Industry collaboration is an important part of Ireland’s approach to innovation. Science Foundation Ireland connects academic research with industry to help address business challenges and support the development of new products and services. Its programmes provide opportunities for researchers and companies to work together while helping businesses access academic expertise and research capabilities. Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Partnership Programme provides another route for Irish-based companies to work with research institutes. The programme helps businesses access expertise and resources to develop products, processes, services and new knowledge.
Government programmes also support the movement of research from academic environments into commercial applications.
Enterprise Ireland supports Innovation Vouchers, Innovation Partnerships, Technology Gateways, Technology Centres, the Commercialisation Fund and other research and innovation programmes. These initiatives are designed to strengthen company research and development and encourage collaboration between businesses and the third-level sector.
The Technology Gateway network has worked with more than 4,500 Irish companies and completed more than 7,000 innovation projects, providing businesses with access to technical expertise and practical innovation support.
Ireland’s approach brings together research, education and business rather than treating them as separate areas. Research centres develop specialist knowledge and talent, while industry partnerships help apply that knowledge to real commercial challenges.
This creates an environment where businesses can access research expertise, develop new technologies and work with highly skilled researchers and graduates.
Research Ireland. “Research Ireland Centres | Research Ireland.” Researchireland.ie, 2026, https://www.researchireland.ie/funded-research/research-ireland-centres.
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). “For Industry.” Science Foundation Ireland, https://www.sfi.ie/funding/industry-collaboration/.
Enterprise Ireland. “Innovation Partnership Programme | Business Support | Enterprise Ireland.” Enterprise-Ireland.com, https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/supports/innovation-partnership-programme.
Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (Government of Ireland). Enterprise Ireland’s Research, Development and Innovation Programmes. 2026, https://www.enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/innovation-research-development/research-development-and-innovation-programmes/.
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