Role of the Office of Science, Technology and Innovation

Rationale for Investment in Science & Technology

The rationale behind the work of the OSTI is acceptance at national and international levels that Research, Technological Development and Innovation (RTDI) is of critical importance to competitiveness, employment and the enhancement of society, and that public investment in RTDI must be a national priority.

The section is responsible for the development, promotion and co-ordination of national science and technology policy and is advised by Forfás in accordance with its statutory remit. In addition, the Chief Science Advisor provides independent advice to Government on any aspect of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The OSTI is also responsible for basic research funding allocated to Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and consequential policy issues arising from Ireland’s investments through SFI.

Funding is also provided to Enterprise Ireland for three categories of investment:

(i) Transforming Research Development and Innovation activity in companies

(ii) Encouraging Industry Collaboration between industry and third level sector research organisations and

(iii) Commercialising the outputs of research.

The OSTI develops and co-ordinates Ireland's input in regard to EU research policies and programmes including measures to further the development of the European Research Area. It also has responsibility for the development of Ireland's policy in international research activities.

The OSTI also supports and monitors the integrated awareness programme, Discover Science & Engineering, with the aim of increasing the numbers of students taking science as a career and promoting science literacy generally.

The work of the OSTI covers all aspects of the national system of innovation and international Research & Development (R&D) programmes including:

• Transforming R&D Activity in Enterprise
• Industry Collaboration with the 3^rd Level Sector
• Commercialisation of Publicly Funded Research
• Science Foundation Ireland
• Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI)
• Funding for Public Awareness of Science and Technology
• R&D Tax Credit uptake
• European and International Programmes
• Scheme for Accreditation of Research Organisations (Hosting Agreement)

The Enterprise Development Agencies, Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland and Forfás implement these measures on behalf of OSTI, through a range of schemes and programmes.