TWICE THE SIZE - DIT Update - Dublin Institute of Technology

9. With the onset of e-governance, the aim must be improving the relationships
between the citizen, the state and other involved institutions and agencies, in the
context of technology-enabled transformation. However, another aspect of ‘smart
governance’ is in the field of transport and logistics where the principal challenge is
devising a set of ‘intelligent’ solutions which will enhance the capacity and
capabilities of the public transport network and reduce dependency on the private
car.
10. The ICT industry in Ireland is positioned at a relatively low point on the value chain
dealing in mature technology that has been developed elsewhere, and needs to
increase the value-added component in its ICT products and services.
11. Scientific and technological industries in Ireland need an enlarged cadre of world
class professional researchers who can not only innovate but also contribute original
marketable ideas that can form the nucleus of new globally competitive companies
which can attract multinational investment.
12. There is a need to build enterprise capability to develop products and services by
ensuring that both national research and enterprise agendas are aligned. This
should be facilitated by developing strategic technology platforms, as well as
encouraging greater collaboration between academe, enterprise and industry.
13. State investment in research is still significantly lower than in most developed
economies, and, as the Irish economy moves more and more to one based on
knowledge and expertise, so the level of funding must grow. As an example, a
Centre for Advance Informatics should be established, with an independent identity
and location, to conduct internationally recognised research and development
relevant to industry.
14. In the universities and institutes of technology there is a need to promote a flexible
‘fast follower’ approach in emerging strategic areas of technology where Irish
graduates can adopt and adapt the learning and skills necessary to compete in a
fast-moving and competitive environment.
15. Access to the world’s best avenues of venture capital investment, and recourse to
first-class international strategic marketing, are both vital in order to foster further
growth in the science and technology sectors.
16. Ireland needs to become a thoroughly wired country with pervasive, high-speed,
low-cost access to information and communications systems, but, in doing so, it
needs to avoid the creating or widening of a digital divide between those who are
plugged-in and those who are not.
17. In the swiftly changing world of technological development it is important to
maintain and improve a rapid response attitude of mind to ensure that Ireland is
perceived as one of the most favourable locations in the world in which to meet
stringent national and international regulatory requirements.
18. In terms of energy technologies there is a need to explore and exploit new and
renewable sources especially ocean wave energy, hybrid energy systems, energy
storage systems, distributed energy systems and environmentally friendly transport
systems. There is also a need to put nuclear energy back on the agenda by
developing an Irish technological capability in this carbon free energy field. In the
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