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Co-operation between the key stakeholders i.e. Government, Industry
and Academia has been a major source of innovation in recent years.
With increased sophistication and pace of technological change and
the steady reduction in the time required to convert basic research
to commercial outputs, companies can no longer rely on their
internal resources to achieve the level of innovation necessary to
maintain their competitive edge. Companies are increasingly turning
to our Government Agencies such as InterTradeIreland for support and
access to the expertise and research facilities in our Universities
and Colleges.
Leading the way in project management of knowledge transfer is Helix
Innovation Partnerships Ltd where the elements of know-how,
collaboration and funding are brought together to drive the
innovation process forward. Helix has been instrumental in helping
Business Development Agencies enhance the research and technological
capability in our local industry.
A good example of our work is the FUSION programme being currently
delivered by Helix on behalf of InterTradeIreland.
What is Fusion?
Fusion is InterTradeIreland's all-island technology transfer
initiative that gives companies access to the wealth of expertise
and facilities in our universities and colleges across the island or
Ireland, allowing them to make strategic advances in innovation and
capability. Typically through FUSION companies can develop exciting
new products to increase sales or streamline existing processes to
improve their performance and competitiveness.
How does Fusion work?
Fusion develops and facilitates partnerships between companies, with
a technology need on one side of the border and colleges or
universities that can provide the required specialist expertise on
the other side. A high calibre graduate is then employed by the
company to spearhead a project for a period of up to two years. The
graduate acts as the link for technology transfer between the
university and the company.
What's the deal for companies?
InterTradeIreland will provide a support package worth up to £61,500
(€92,250) towards the costs of carrying out a technology related
project which is central to a company's development needs. The
funding will support:
50% of a graduate employee's salary
100% of other eligible costs (including academic expertise)
Since August 2001, we have helped 150 companies across the island of
Ireland achieve their strategic goals and we aim to assist 100 more
in the next 2 years. You could be one of them!
>> To
see a short video clip about Fusion,
click here.
>> To
download the full version, which includes interviews, click here.
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