INTERTRADEIRELAND'S ALL-ISLAND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAMME IMPROVES COMPANIES' BOTTOM LINES

Minister John McGuinness congratulates FUSION graduates

18^th September – Thirty-nine students at the Smurfit Business School graduated today from a ground-breaking North/South programme that bridges the gap between business and academia.

The Minister of State responsible for Trade and Commerce, Mr John McGuinness TD, praised the accomplishments of the graduates of the FUSION programme at the graduation ceremony at the Smurfit Business School in Dublin.  He said the programme was bringing positive benefits to both economies, North and South.

Noting the graduates’ work at technology focused businesses, the Minister said, “The current economic climate challenges all of us but the lesson from this programme remains the same:  In the 21^st century, the knowledge economy can deliver sustained growth and high quality jobs.”

FUSION participants work in partnership with a technology company and an academic institution, which is selected for having particular expertise that could help the company address its business challenges.  The Minister noted:  “Development of the knowledge economy requires this kind of closer co-operation between academic and research institutions and the private enterprises with the ability to commercialise new technology.”

Companies that participate in the FUSION programme report an average benefit of approximately €1 million each in efficiency savings and increased sales.  The Chief Executive of InterTradeIreland, Liam Nellis said, “InterTradeIreland is pleased to support networks, like those created through the FUSION programme, which enable businesses to share their experience and expertise, develop new products and identify new markets.  The spirit of collaboration that the FUSION graduates have employed over the past year will continue to influence how they approach business opportunities throughout their careers.”

Since 2001, 200 companies have participated in the FUSION programme, each receiving a comprehensive package of assistance including business mentoring and expertise and up to almost €60,000 to cover graduate employment costs and other expenses.  In addition to working for private companies, and liaising with academic experts, the participants also studied for their Diplomas in Management Practice at the Smurfit Business School, part of the executive education programme at the school. 

The Mary Breslin Award for the most outstanding graduate was given to Polish native Tomasz Dabrowski.  Dabrowski has worked with MarCon Computations in Galway, in partnership with the Centre for Marine Resources & Mariculture at Queen’s University Belfast.  Through the FUSION programme, he has helped MarCon to develop a novel GIS-based software application that integrates sophisticated hydrodynamic, water quality and shellfish lifecycle modelling.  The new unique product expands the company's software product range and allows it to target new markets in the aquaculture/mariculture industry and the fisheries agencies.