Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697803627922.pdf (Ireland)
Submission to Oireachtas Joint Committee Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, & Science Pre-Legislative Scrutiny meeting of the Research and Innovation Bill 2023.

THE HIGHER EDUCATION COLLEGES ASSOCIATION (HECA) May 2023 1.
Introduction On behalf of the Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA), I would like to thank the Chair and the Joint Committee Members for the opportunity to speak with you today at the Pre-Legislative Scrutiny meeting of the Research and Innovation Bill 2023.
The aim of our presentation is to emphasise the importance of creating a balanced and inclusive research ecosystem that supports researchers across all disciplines and at all stages of their careers, particularly in the context of private higher education institutions (HEIs) and young research institutions.

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Key Points and Proposed Amendments Our key points are as follows: – ● The Importance of Research in Young Institutions ● EU policy on access to EU research funding ● ● Proposed Amendments to the Bill Inclusive Definition of “Institutions” 3.
The Importance of Research in Young Institutions Supporting young research institutions, such as HECA higher education institutions, is critical to driving innovation, cultivating talent and collaboration, enhancing global competitiveness, and promoting equal opportunities.

Integrating private higher education institutions into the national research funding and policy landscape creates a vibrant and diverse research environment (see Appendix 1).

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EU policy on access to EU research funding Access to EU funding is open to all higher education institutions either in the capacity of project coordinator or as project beneficiary.

Project coordinators are essential, as they spearhead the partner consortium, oversee the proposal, allocate work packages, and liaise with the European Commission.

This responsibility enhances the institution's profile on the EU platform and helps attract future partners and research funding.
Project beneficiaries, as consortium members, contribute to one or more work packages and can lead or co-lead future projects.

This involvement also bolsters the organisation's standing in European research.

Currently, one of our member institutions is engaged in two EU research projects as a beneficiary (See Appendix 2).
Another QQI recognised institution whose courses are validated with a HECA institution, and which is operating under the HECA PEL umbrella is engaging in applied research to the extent of €15,000,000, a significant amount of which is funded by the EU.

1 While EU policy allows unrestricted access to research funds, there is a discrepancy with Irish policy, which sometimes limits access to the project coordinator role (See Appendix 3 for further information on research funds managed).

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Inclusive Definition of “Institutions” Head 3 contains a definition of “designated institution of higher education” to be known in the Bill as “institutions”.

What is not clear is whether references in the Bill to “institutions” refers only to “designated institutions of higher education”.
If so, and if the arguments for supporting research in young institutions are accepted, amendment would be required to include private higher education institutions which are not currently so designated as the basis of allocation of this status to new applicants (provided for in the recent HEA Act 2022) has yet to be put in place.

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Proposed Amendments to the Bill We propose a series of amendments to ensure that private HEI’s are included in the objects of Research and Innovation Ireland and receive the support they need to succeed: ● Amendment of Head 8 – Objects: adding a clause or subhead to specifically mention the promotion and support of excellence in research and innovation in private higher education institutions.
● Amendment of Head 9 - We propose adding a new subhead (o) to Head 9 to ensure that young research institutions receive the necessary support to grow and succeed: “(o) allocate a proportion of its competitive research and innovation funding to support young research institutions, including those that are based in underrepresented regions or communities, and provide them with the resources and mentorship they need to develop their research capabilities and contribute to the national research and innovation system” This proposal is aligned with the objectives of Subhead 9(b) and Subhead 9 (k), which call for the support of a cohesive national research and innovation system and promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in research and innovation.
In implementing this new function, Research and Innovation Ireland should work closely with other research funders, enterprise, tertiary education, and relevant stakeholders to identify the most promising young research institutions and provide them with targeted support.

This support could include funding for research projects, laboratory equipment, and personnel, as well as opportunities for collaboration and mentorship with more established researchers and institutions.
By providing private HEIs with the resources they need to succeed, Research and Innovation Ireland can help to ensure that the full potential of all research institutions in Ireland is realised.

● Definition of "Higher Education Institutions": expanding the current definition to include private higher education institutions focused on research and innovation.

The potential anomaly in relation to the Head 3 definition of “designated institution of higher education” is explained above.
2 ● Allocation of Funds: allocating a portion of competitive research and innovation funding specifically for private higher education institutions.

● Partnership and Collaboration: working in partnership with private higher education institutions to promote and support excellence in research and innovation.

● Evaluation and Monitoring: evaluating and monitoring the impact of support for private higher education institutions and adjusting as necessary to ensure objectives are met.

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Conclusion In conclusion, the proposed amendments aim to create a balanced and inclusive research ecosystem that supports researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds and at all stages of their careers.

By providing this support, Research and Innovation Ireland can help to foster a vibrant and diverse research community in Ireland and support the growth of a new generation of researchers and innovators.
By committing to funding research at a level equal to or greater than the EU average and allocating resources specifically to young research institutions and private higher education institutions, Research and Innovation Ireland can help to address disparities in the distribution of research resources and ensure that the benefits of research and innovation are shared by all.
We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this important legislative process and look forward to collaborating with the Joint Committee in shaping the future of research and innovation in Ireland.

Thank you.
3 Appendix 1 Supporting Young Research Institutions Supporting young research institutions, such as HECA higher education institutions, in national funding for research, the Research and Innovation Bill 2023, and national Open Access initiatives is important for the following reasons:- ● Fostering innovation: Young research institutions, embarking on their research journey, bring fresh perspectives and novel ideas to the table, driving innovation across various fields, including the private sector.
● Encouraging collaboration: By supporting young research institutions, governments can facilitate collaboration between established and emerging researchers, promoting knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary research, and innovative partnerships across both public and private sectors.

● Nurturing talent: Supporting young research institutions helps cultivate highly skilled researchers, enriching the national talent pool and empowering the next generation of academics, scientists, and professionals.
● Enhancing global competitiveness: Developing a strong research base across all higher education institutions, including private institutions, contributes to Ireland's international reputation, attracting global talent and investment, and enhancing overall competitiveness.
● Diversifying the research landscape: Supporting a diverse range of research institutions, including private higher education institutions, ensures a wide array of research interests and approaches, fostering a more comprehensive and inclusive research ecosystem.
● Promoting equal opportunities: By supporting young research institutions, DFHERIS can create a level playing field, ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities for all researchers, irrespective of their institution's age, size, or sector.
Integrating private higher education institutions, especially young research institutions, into the national research funding and policy landscape helps create a vibrant, diverse, and innovative research environment, which benefits society, the economy, and the nation's standing on the global stage.

● ● Head 33 speaks of funding to be received from the EU in the event of funding partnerships.

Consistency is important in this connection.


It is clearly desirable that research funding granted to Irish institutions be given be as unconstrained in regard to the recipient, as EU funding.

● Private higher education institutions are compelled by their funding context to be commercial in their approach.

This approach will be helpful in relation to applied research projects carried out in partnership with industry.
4 Appendix 2 Access of European Union Funding A HECA institution is currently engaged in EU research detailed below.

It is eligible to act as a project coordinator and project beneficiary having been fully validated as an organisation through its PIC and having completed the Legal Entity Authorised Representative validation (LEAR).

It has recently signed the declaration of honour to join an upcoming project without any blockages.
This institution is currently engaged in 2 EU Research projects as a beneficiary up to 2027.

It is working with coordinators on Education Innovation and Technology (EIT) – Climate (Knowledge Innovation Community) Kic and Centre of Vocational Excellence projects.

It has recently applied as coordinator for an upcoming project called Digital education for Design and ART HEI and has experienced no block to apply as the coordinator for any European calls through the EU platform.
In this connection, it has received help and support from the European Commission Central validations service and help desk.

It is currently tendering for 4 projects with intentions to grow its research and innovation function.

5 Appendix 3 National - Irish Research Funding Overview Upon review of the funding bodies listed in the General Scheme of Research and Innovation Bill 2023 HECA has drawn the following conclusions about eligibility of HECA institutions for research funding if.

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SOLAS – Eligible – opportunity to contact the agency to become a vocational education partner – SOLAS work with Education and Training Boards 2.

Udaras.ie – May be eligible for The Market Discovery Fund – with a high potential start up.

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An Rionn Oideachais - Department of Education – Eligible for E-Tenders.gov (new system coming 15th May) 4.
Higher Education Authority - HEA – National Open Research Fund 2023 Strand II – Not eligible as the lead application - eligible as an additional contributor 5.

Enterprise Ireland – Not currently eligible for Horizon Europe research support or funding (spoke to EI directly).

But eligible for Research Development and Innovation Fund 6.

Environmental Protection Agency Research Programme 2021-2030 – Eligible as an organisation in Ireland for this programme – Private SMEs can receive 75% funding 7.
Health research board – Eligible - US- Ireland Research and Development Partnership Programme (must submit 10-weeks before deadline with a US and NI partner) 8.

Industrial Development Authority of Ireland (IDA) – Eligible for some EU and entrepreneurship projects on Knowledge Transfer fund €63 million.

Must be an Enterprise Ireland client and HEA HEI for other calls– Research experts are listed from public HEIs here 9.

Foras Na Mara - Marine Institute- Same criteria as HEA – e.g.
Shared Ocean fellowships for masters and doctorate level 10.

Quality Qualifications Ireland - QQI – Currently eligible for calls and projects 11.

Sustainable Energy Authority- SEAI - Eligible – e.g., the innovation fund - apply via EU portal 12.

Teagasc -Not eligible for research and innovation – open to Irish Universities , may be eligible for Entrepreneurship funding with a “highly disruptive agri-tech service or technology” 6 13.
The Irish Research Council The mission of the Irish Research Council is to support excellence in research talent, knowledge, and engagement.

The council have a mission to support Ireland’ success in EU funding.

HECA institutions are engaged in EU funded projects, but are currently ineligible to join the IRC as a member.

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