Electric.ie March April 2021

ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • 17 Science Foundation Ireland’s new five year strategy – “Shaping Our Future” S haping Our Future sets out ambitious actions and targets to deliver reform today and protect us for the challenges of the future. In Budget 2021 additional funding has been allocated to support SFI to allow for the implementation of their strategy. The increase of €10.8 million in capital allocation for 2021 allows for a new joint SFI and IRC programme for early career researchers, allows for the support of more frontiers awards, and potentially an increase in All Island research collaboration. Launching the new strategy, Professor Peter Clinch, Chairman Science Foundation Ireland said: “I am delighted to introduce Science Foundation Ireland’s new strategy Shaping Our Future today. This strategy is an ambitious one. Investment in research is a key determinant of the long-term success and prosperity of Ireland and its people. Our vision is that Ireland will be a global innovation leader in scientific and engineering research for the advancement of Ireland’s economy and society. By ‘Delivering Today while Preparing for Tomorrow’, SFI’s new strategy is designed to meet current challenges and to position Ireland to take advantage of future opportunities.” Speaking at the announcement, Prof Mark Ferguson, Director General Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of Ireland, said: “From the mechanisation of agriculture to the invention of television, from vaccines to the internet, from mobile phones to electric cars, the positive contribution that science, research, and innovation makes to people’s lives globally is unquestionable. Discovery, invention and innovation fuel great progress. Industry News Survey reveals 9 in 10 Irish exporters to the UK see future opportunities in the UK market The new EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement has resulted in changes to how businesses and sectors operate in the UK. However, the market remains Ireland’s largest single trading partner and will continue to offer opportunities for Irish exporters. A survey conducted by Enterprise Ireland of 427 Irish exporters, exporting to the UK has revealed that 89% see future opportunities in the UK market. Also, 4 in 5 companies (83%) say that their strategy is to grow exports to the UK, while 15% say they will sustain exports to the UK. The survey was conducted ahead of Enterprise Ireland’s official launch of its Evolve UK initiative at its online event ‘The New UK: Succeeding in a Changing Market’, taking place today. In response to the new EU- UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, Enterprise Ireland has launched its Evolve UK programme, delivering critical insights to Irish companies on the evolving UK market and sector changes and opportunities through reports, insight bulletins and virtual events. Another initiative that has just been launched is the Evolve Strategic Planning Grant, designed to support clients to respond to the challenges and opportunities, which have arisen as a result of changes to the trading environment in the UK since January 1st, 2021. This support, a €5,000 grant, from Enterprise Ireland will support companies to adapt their approach to the market to secure and grow their sales. It will also support companies to explore approaches to optimise supply chains, research opportunities as the market evolves and changes, and prepare for changes in certification and regulatory requirements. ർ Enterprise Ireland launch Evolve Strategic Planning Grant and Evolve UK programme to support Irish exporters deliver strategic response to the recent changes and challenges in the UK trading environment.