Survey Results 'Indication Of Confidence'

Ireland's Minister for Research & Innovation has welcomed publication of the BERD Survey results for 2009/2010.

The BERD Survey provides final R&D expenditure figures for 2009 and preliminary estimates for 2010 and is jointly conducted by the Central Statistics Office and Forfás.

The survey shows that enterprises across all business sectors spent almost €1.9bn on research and development activities in Ireland in 2009, and that the estimated spend on business R&D in 2010 was €1.8bn.

The preliminary estimates for 2010 indicate that Irish companies are expecting to increase slightly their R&D outlay to €583m, up 3.6% from €563m in 2009. Foreign-owned enterprises expect a fall in R&D expenditure of 4.2% to €1.25 billion in 2010 from €1.31bn in 2009.

Commenting on the survey results, Seán Sherlock said: “It is very heartening that levels of investment by business in R&D remain high at a time of global economic retrenchment, and even better that indigenous companies in Ireland anticipate an increase in the levels of their R&D investment in 2010."

The Minster added: "The backdrop to this survey is that Ireland has significantly increased its investment in R&D over the past decade. Two thirds of Ireland’s R&D is in the private sector, creating new product and service innovations that will drive exports, growth, and jobs.

"The Government accords strategic investment in R&D priority as one of the building blocks for restructuring and re-invigorating the economy. To this end it is a key objective of the new Programme for Government that we should implement a range of measures to improve commercialisation of research, and strengthen linkages between the higher education sector and enterprise."

As a result of investment to date, Ireland has built a strong science base, and has joined Finland, Germany and the US in the world's top 20 countries for scientific output.

In the highly competitive area of attractiveness for R&D projects, Ireland is positioned 5th behind Finland, Taiwan, Israel and Puerto Rico. In 2009, nearly half of foreign direct investments in Ireland were in research, development and innovation - activities that are central to productivity and new business development in Ireland's multinational sector. Even during the downturn, these enterprises have proven they can grow exports and create employment.

Minister Sherlock concluded: "This survey results are a clear indication of confidence in our ability to rebuild the reputation of our economy, and to leverage the very real substance that is there for future growth and prosperity. We intend to do our utmost to achieve this."

(BMcN)