Tánaiste Officially Opens Sligo Institute of Technology’s New Business Innovation Centre

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Monday 8th May 2000) officially opened the Sligo Institute of Technology’s New Business Innovation Centre.

This is the second Business Innovation Centre to be built at the Sligo Institute of Technology and it currently houses two groups of users; Entrepreneurs starting a new venture, or businesses who are closely associated with the Institute; and Research and Development groups. A number of firms engaged in web-based software, environmental protection systems, environmental computing software, healthcare devices, tourism and a call centre based on agri-technology are located at the Centre.

Speaking at the opening the Tánaiste said "the new Centre was a very welcome step in facilitating closer industry/third level links. Although the missions of higher education and industry are different, there is a potent synergy between the two which can enhance both job creation, economic development and industrial competitiveness and which can provide mutually beneficial advantages including the provision of training and the exchange of knowledge and expertise".

"I see the Sligo Institute of Technology alongside the Business Innovation Centre being of major technological advantage in the development of the North West Region. The centre will provide valuable incubation space for innovative enterprises and act as a catalyst for the creation of new business start-ups. I want to see increasing prosperity alongside economic and social development in all areas of the country and in this context I see this new Business Innovation Centre and the Institute as a key engine for the growth of new business start ups in the Border, Midlands and West (BMW) Region", the Tánaiste added.

The Tánaiste said "we need to build the Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) capability of the country and to strengthen Irish industrial performance. To achieve this objective the Government has committed £1.95 billion in the National Development Plan for RTI activities across all Government Departments and Agencies with some £1.2 billion of this being provided specifically for RTI in Industrial Development related activities ".

As part of a number of Measures on RTI, funding of £35m is available for Regional Innovation Systems proposals from all the regions. The Tánaiste said she anticipated that proposals would emerge from the regions, capitalising on the particular technological resources and challenges which exist there and that the "bottom up" approach would be actively encouraged to ensure local involvement and commitment.

The Tánaiste wished success to all those involved in the Centre and expressed confidence in its future as a focal point for innovative enterprises in the Sligo region.