Priority – 01

Smarter & More Competitive
Regions 

EXPLORE
news on European funding opportunities

Driving Regional Knowledge Economy

Our higher education institutions are intrinsic to growing the regional knowledge economy. They educate leaders, foster research and support entrepreneurship, and this strengthens the fibre of our regions by attracting talented professionals to higher quality jobs in adaptable industries. The ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme will drive this by supporting the Technological Universities as they collaborate with other research institutions and form partnerships with enterprises in their new era to further innovation and commercialisation possibilities across both Irish regions. 

b21bab691d23b140120553582568868d 1

Building Research and Innovation Capacity

Priority 1 will build research, development and innovation capacity in the public research institutions of the Programme Area by focusing on developing and enhancing research and innovation capacity and advanced technologies uptake, fostering sustainable growth, competitiveness and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments. 

b21bab691d23b140120553582568868d 1

The objectives of Priority 1 will be delivered through six streamlined programmes in the Southern, Eastern and Midland Programme Area.

These will be rolled out by Intermediate Bodies – Enterprise Ireland (EI), Reserach Ireland and the Higher Education Authority (HEA). 

  • Research Ireland Accelerating Research Commercialisation (ARC) Hubs: Establish two regional smart hubs for research, training, innovation, commercialisation 
  • EI Technology Gateways: Collaboration and Sync with industry/ industry needs 
  • EI KT Boost: Develop Technology Transfer Specialists to help with commercialisation opportunities 
  • EI Innovators’ Initiative: Develop and deliver an immersive needs-led innovation training programme 
  • HEA TU RISE: Drive Capacity of the new Technology Universities to drive and support regional research, capacity building and innovation 
  • EI Smart Regional Enterprise Innovation: Provide appropriate infrastructure and key staff resources to deliver innovative solutions, support programmes and an impetus for entrepreneurship, start-ups and scaling companies 

Schemes Under Priority 1

Call for proposals to boost research, innovation, and SME competitiveness.

  • Technology Gateway Programme

  • KT Boost

  • Innovators Initiative

  • ARC Hub Programme

  • TU RISE

  • SMART Regions 

Join our newsletter today to receive the latest news on regional development, European funding opportunities, European projects, and free resources.

You’ll also get educational content and event updates delivered directly to your inbox.

SIGN UP
news on European funding opportunities
Back to Top