Taoiseach Brian Cowen has today attended the first meeting of the Innovation Taskforce, which has been established to advise the Government on its strategy for positioning Ireland as an international innovation hub.
The taskforce, which was set up last month, is to advise the Government on options to increase innovation and entrepreneurship and to ensure that investment in science, technology and research translates into high-value jobs and sustainable economic growth.
It will also support the development of the Innovation Alliance between Trinity College Dublin (TCD)and University College Dublin (UCD).
The taskforce will be complemented by the work of the Green Enterprise Taskforce recently announced by Minister for Enterprise Mary Coughlan and Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan.
Announcing the membership of the taskforce last month, Mr Cowen said it was imperative that Ireland was well-positioned to take advantage of the global upturn when it comes.
Among the taskforce's members are Dr Chris Horn, co-founder and former CEO Iona Technologies, John Lynch CEO, Merrion Pharmaceuticals, Dr Paul Roben president, Celtic Consulting and Michael Carmody, president, Institute of Technology Tralee
The Taoisech was accompanied to today's meeting in Government Buildings by the Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation Conor Lenihan.