Incentives in RD&I

IDA Ireland plays a leading role in RD&I development by providing funding support for suitable projects and by identifying other supports available from partner organisations such as Enterprise Ireland (EI), Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI).

In addition to RD&I funding, IDA Ireland has a number of direct support mechanisms, including employment and training grants. Through its property portfolio, IDA also has a suite of property offerings to enable companies to fast track their project start-ups.

IDA Ireland works closely with companies to ensure they have the facilities, resources and supports needed to establish and expand their RD&I operations.  IDA also helps ensure that these progressive companies continue to flourish in Ireland as key drivers of Ireland’s future economic success.

A Comprehensive Range of RD&I Programmes

• IDA Ireland has an RD&I Programme of grant aid for RD&I projects including grants for RD&I Feasibility Studies and Training.
   
• A 25% R&D tax credit – designed to encourage companies to undertake new or additional R&D activity in Ireland. The tax credit covers wages, equipment, buildings and related overhead costs of establishing a RD&I activity in Ireland.
  Further information in the IDA Tax Brochure 2011
   
• Irish legislation provides MNCs with incentives to generate qualifying patents – up to €5 million of annual qualifying income can be exempt from Irish tax.
   
•  A maximum corporate tax rate of 12.5% on all corporate trading profits generated by RD&I activities.
   
• IDA Ireland/Enterprise Ireland Competence Centres finances industry led collaborative research on commonly identified industry problems.
• Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Partnership Programme funds small scale industry/academic research that provides fast pay back to companies.
   
• SFI Centres for Science, Engineering and Technology (CSETs) funds major university based centres of collaborative research with industry.
   
• SFI also funds Strategic Research Centres (SRCs) to do collaborative research in selected research themes deemed important for Ireland’s future economic growth.
• EU 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7)
   
• Ireland now has clusters of research performing global leaders in key high tech industries including Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Medical Devices ICT and Financial Services.