Ibec To Host Free Limerick Event To Showcase Innovation In The Mid-West Region
Ibec, in association with Electric Ireland, will host a free business seminar in Limerick on Wednesday 25 May to show how local companies have used state supports and worked with higher education institutions to grow their business through research, development and innovation.
The event, entitled ‘The Innovation Imperative’ will take place in the Strand Hotel, Limerick from 11am to 1pm on Wednesday 25 May and is part of a series of events taking place around the country to show how companies can engage in research, development and innovation.
Speakers at the event will include Senior Customer Relationship Manager, Electric Ireland John Drinan; Ibec Head of Education and Social Policy Tony Donohoe; Business Leader – Innovation Management at FEXCO Guillaume Py; Director of NPD, Wyeth Nutrition Dr. Dan O’Callaghan; Director of Research, Cook Medical John Neilan; VP of Research, University of Limerick Mary Shires; Vice-President Research, Development and External Engagement at IT Tralee Brid McElligott; Vice-President for Research, Enterprise & Development, Limerick IoT Dr. Liam Brown; Director of Knowledge Transfer Ireland Alison Campbell; CEO of Shannon Foynes Port Company Pat Keating and Editor and Presenter at Cork’s 96fm Deirdre O’Shaughnessy.
Speaking in advance of the Limerick event, Ibec Mid West and Kerry Regional Director Mairead Crosby said: “There are many great companies in and around Limerick and across the Mid-West and Kerry region using new technology and cutting edge innovation to improve how they work. But we need to ensure that all companies have the skills and support needed to get ahead.
“The ability to innovate is essential for all companies regardless of size, sector or business activity. It is through innovation that businesses create a competitive advantage, enhance their productivity and increase profits. It also underpins the growth and dynamism of a region. Innovation comes in many shapes and sizes. It extends beyond science, technology and product development to firms that try new ideas, technologies and business models to help them increase market share.
“While Ireland has taken great steps over the last sixteen years to become a more knowledge and innovation-intensive country, internationally we have some way to go. A high proportion of Irish companies still do not undertake any R&D activities. CSO data shows the heavy concentration of investment in a small number of large companies, with 100 firms accounting for 70% of all R&D spending.
“The Ibec event in Limerick is an opportunity for companies across the region to meet with their peers, learn how to collaborate with higher education institutions and avail of state supports. Participants will also get insights on how HR practices can help embed a company-wide culture of innovation within a business.”
Book your place today! http://www.ibec.ie/
