By Robyn Cullen
ATLANTIC Technological University (ATU) is to receive almost €20 million to further enhance research and innovation opportunities for the Technological University sector.
The funding is part of an €84 million package for the technological universities announced by Minister for Education Simon Harris this week.
The funding is from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the €19.6 million is for theNorthern and Western Regional Programme.
The programme will prove to be a huge benefit to the TUs across Ireland, as it plans to establish regional and innovation offices within TUs, fully equipped and staffed so as to create stronger connections with local and regional businesses, industry and enterprise stakeholders.
As well as aiming to develop research in human capital in the technological sector, in regards to recruitment, staff development, postgraduate training and supervision, networking and collaborative knowledge, transfer and mobility schemes.
Announcing the funding Minister Harris said “I am very pleased with the announcement and the European Regional Development Funds assistance in allocating €84 million in funding for not only the five TUs but also Dundalk Institute of Technology and Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology”.
He said that with the strategic placement of Technological Universities, it will help to create links particularly with small and medium enterprises to support them and turn innovation opportunities into a tangible reality for local people.
“TUs are a catalyst in regional development and support skills and employment agendas regionally and nationally,” added.
His expressed hop is that Ireland will become a world-leader in Research and Innovation.
Dr Alan Wall who is Chief Executive of the Higher Education Authority said “funding comes at a critical juncture in the development of the technological sector.
This funding offers institutions the opportunity to enhance central research functions, which are critical to institutions strategically developing and achieving their research ambitions”.
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