strategy statement03 - 05

Seek to have enacted the Patents Bill (currently before the Dáil)

to update patents law and ensure compliance with our international obligations;

Performance Indicator: Seek to have the Patents Bill enacted by the Oireachtas by conclusion of the Autumn 2004 legislative session.

Enhance support, co-ordination and information structures to

ensure greater involvement of Irish researchers, industry and SMEs in the EU Sixth Research Framework Programme;

Performance Indicator: Level of involvement of Irish researchers, industry and SMEs in the EU Sixth Framework programme measured using the outcome for participation in FP5 as a benchmark to be surpassed.

Advance the contribution of research, technological

development and innovation to the European Union goal of becoming the most competitive knowledge-based economy in the world, particularly throughout the period of the Irish Presidency in 2004.

Performance Indicator: Growth in the volume of research funded by business.

Enterprise Policy

Complete the review of enterprise policy and performance,

taking account of the strategic direction in the National Spatial Strategy, agree on a new approach and take action on the findings;

Performance Indicator: Produce a strategy statement on enterprise development by end 2004.

Carry out expenditure reviews on specified elements of the

activities of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland;

Performance Indicator: Reviews to be completed by end December 2003.

Support Enterprise Ireland is its introduction of a scheme to

increase productivity in smaller, slower-growth firms;

Performance Indicator: Scheme to be introduced by 30 June 2003.

We will actively promote the development of N/S co-operation

in the areas of trade and business development that are mutually beneficial through the continued implementation of the InterTradeIreland work programme and appropriate expansion as and when directed by the North South Ministerial Council;

Performance Indicators: Regular liaison with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland and InterTradeIreland to facilitate the continued development of the all-island economy. Policy advice to be provided to An Tánaiste in her role on the North South Ministerial Council, when restored. To work in partnership with business organisations to identify appropriate policies to enhance the development of the all-island economy.

Support specific initiatives to grow eBusiness activity and

contribute as appropriate to the development of an e-friendly regulatory framework;

Performance Indicators: Business access to the Internet and its sophistication; Commercial use of Internet - percentage of total sales and purchases made through the Internet.