News & Events

Sherlock to put innovation centre stage to boost growth

15th February 2013: Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock TD, will chair the first meeting of Europe's Research Ministers under Ireland's EU Presidency on Monday 18th February.

Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock TD, will chair the first meeting of Europe’s Research Ministers under Ireland’s EU Presidency on Monday 18th February.

The Council will focus on a number of important areas designed to increase innovation within the EU. Among these will be consideration of how best to facilitate economic growth in Europe through improved support for research.

During the meeting, Ministers for Research and Innovation from other Member States will receive a presentation on Ireland’s strategic decision to prioritise research in a focused number of areas to improve research and innovation outputs.

Minister Sean Sherlock commented: “I look forward to a productive discussion with my fellow Research Ministers on the EU’s Annual Growth Survey for 2013, specifically as it applies to the research area. Just like last year, the context of the Annual Growth Survey for this year was set by the economic crisis. As far as research and innovation performance is concerned, enhanced economic policy coordination at European level plays a very important role. We will be considering how research budgets can contribute to fuelling European growth, stabilising the economic and financial situation and spurring structural reforms.”

ENDS