Giving science and technology a home

POLITICIANS and governments are often accused in the media of reactionary or short term thinking. It is with no apology, therefore, that IF regard the Government White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation which I published recently - and which is the first in the history of our nation - as a watershed document which will affect:

. The way we formulate public policy and manage spending;

. The way our education system supports national development;

. The types of industries and jobs in the Ireland of tomorrow.

Ireland's economic future depends on companies which can compete worldwide through innovative products using advanced research and technology. Put another way, some of the more high profile company closures of recent times can be traced in part to a failure to keep pace with the technological innovation of competitors.

If we are to develop a strong home `industrial base' and if we are to continue to attract and enlarge the multi national sector, then we need a competitive science and technology base which can deliver industry's needs in terms of research, knowledge and people.

Only one quarter of firms in Ireland perform continuous research and development. Only 300 firms spend more than £100,000 per annum on R and D. Fewer than 100 companies, account for 75 per cent of all business R and D spending. The vast majority, of indigenous firms have a minimal technological capability and are a long way from becoming serious R and D players.

How do all the rest survive and grow? Through aggressive marketing of existing products? Through subsidy or support in one form or another which keeps costs down? In the hope of favourable exchange rates?! Through foreign acquisition or diversification?

Over the long term one thing matters most. The product has to be new better, more reliable, better delivered and serviced. Innovation is the key. Research and technology are the driving forces. And the function of government is to provide a coherent science and technology policy which, supports industry's ability to innovate.

How does the White Paper help Efforts were made in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s to deal with these, issues and, despite lofty ideals, resulted in a somewhat "fiddling" approach to individual aspects.

A substantial piece of the Science and Technology Act, 1987 - was introduced but never effectively used. In the past, science technology policy was something akin to an urchin wandering around the government system looking for a home, wondering how it would be dressed up today. The White Paper has given science and technology a roof over its head, locating it firmly in the realm of wider industrial, economic and social development.

Drawing on the detailed evidence of the Tierney report published last year, the White Paper treats all of the contributory factors - third level research; primary and second level education; public understanding; transfer of technology; industrial R and D; taxation; investment capital; - as parts of a system all of which support and encourage innovation.

The White Paper takes us away from a sound bite approach or tabloid treatment of science and technology by addressing all of these issues. It has more than 60 specific decisions aimed at tackling both today's and tomorrow's needs. At the same time, within that broad framework, the White Paper establishes the priorities to be addressed:

. Better planning of State spending on S and T;

. Substantial increase in R and D in industry;

. Improved technology capability in non R and D firms;

. Recognition of role of third level research and more collaboration between colleges and industry;

. Better public perception of S and T.

. Planning and making State spending on S and T a priority is a major objective. How could any entity invest around £800 million annually without a predetermination of what it is meant to achieve? What are the targets? Do we get value for money? What is the return to the economy?

Arising from the White Paper, a Cabinet and interdepartmental committee will take charge of a planning process and there will be independent expert advice on S and T matters from a permanent STI council.

Public policy formation is about setting and achieving objectives, it is not about scattering taxpayers money to all and sundry. It is about long term planning and about a vision of how Ireland's economic prosperity and social development will be shaped. As with any vision, there is room for debate, informed discussion and differing points of view.

Is there anyone out there?