EU to dole-out EUR16bn for tech research

Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Harney, TD, said on Friday that the Sixth EU Framework Programme (FP6) provided a unique opportunity for Irish industry, third level institutions and research organisations to win vital funding. FP6 will run from 2003 to 2006 and will allocate over EUR16 billion for research activities in technological areas such as nanotechnology, aeronautics, e-government and information society technologies. At least 15 percent of the fund is to be allocated to SMEs. In order to help Irish bodies secure part of this funding, Enterprise Ireland has set-up a dedicated unit to provide information and support services to potential participants in FP6. The unit will also identify partners in other EU states that could collaborate with Irish organisations.