To date a number of initiatives are happening to promote Ireland’s broadband connectivity and to further the understanding of cloud computing for business. For example, under the leadership of Minister Rabbitte the ‘Next Generation Broadband Task Group’ (NGTG), a group consisting of CEO’s of the major Broadband providers in Ireland, has put forward a number of recommendations on how best to achieve a nationwide roll-out of fast broadband within the next three years.

At a talk to new students in UCC on Thursday 27th March 2012, Minister Rabbitte, following what he called ‘straight talking’ proposals put forward by the NGTG Task Group, pledged the Irish Government’s commitment to working with a range of Telecom companies to ensure nationwide roll-out of fast Broadband does take place. The NGTG is expected to submit its recommendations in a final and formal report for the Irish Government to review.

A ‘Cloud Computing Technology Research Centre’, another proposal within the ‘Action Plan for Jobs’ has also been established and this initiative was announced by Richard Burton T.D on Monday 2nd April 2012. The principal areas of research for the centre will be to focus on cloud: design architecture, service management, business research and security. The research consortium led by Dublin City University also includes University College Cork and Athlone Institute of Technology and has secured funding for one year from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation to complete its research.

Notwithstanding the great work that is happening by ‘experts’ in this area as outlined above and more besides, the arguments presented in Kieran’s article does intuitively make sense. Buy-in from small and medium-sized enterprises is necessary and perhaps he’s right a multi-faceted innovative team does need to be created in preparing a digital road-map to help make this path clear.

The reality is, adopting cloud computing into a business strategy is messy and confusing and knowledge sharing and a clear understanding on the benefits of adoption can help towards making this transition an easier one. This article ‘Cloud Computing White Papers and Resources for Small Businesses’ may be a good starting point for those who are interested in adopting this new technology into their business.

‘A break from the past and an investment in our future’ was how Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science explained the background to the plan. Horizon 2020 will be a key tool in implementing the Innovation Union flagship initiatives as set out.

The plan will need to go through a series of lobbying before all its proposals are agreed and it is expected that these will be discussed in more detail at the Competitive Council Meet up on 5-6 Dec 2011. Funding proposals as set out include:

• A 77 per cent jump to €13.2 billion for the European Research Council
• €5.75 billion for the Marie Curie Action Fund
• A rise from €308 million to €2.8 billion to the European Institute of Innovation and Technology
• €31.7 billion for societal challenges such as ageing population, food security, green energy & climate action
• 15 per cent of the budget is earmarked for the SME market.

It is hopeful that some of this funding will be set against recent proposals issued by the ‘Small Business Advisory Group’ in their report ‘The Voice of Small Business – A Plan for Action’.

This report commissioned by the Minister for State for Small Business, Mr John Perry T.D. in June 2011 has advanced open discussions between business, the enterprise development agencies and Government on the challenges faced by SME’s in Ireland. The Report and ‘plan for action’ was presented to the Taoiseach on Wed 23 November 2011.

Although the report contains well known issues, such as difficulty with accessing credit, labour market costs & flexibility and local authority structures; this report sets out a series of logical short and long-term goals aimed towards helping SME’s compete on a level play field and to help businesses to help themselves.

The Taoiseach was appreciative to all members of the group for participating in the task and the Minister for Small Business John Perry shared his views on the actions proposed by the task group:

“There are very good, practical and pragmatic ideas which aim to address immediate barriers and to set the scene for growth and job creation.”

ISME (Irish Small and Medium Enterprise Association) have strongly welcomed this report and are now demanding that Banks lend to SME’s as a matter of urgency, following a daming report which demonstrates that Small businesses are continuing to suffer because banks continue to withhold credit.

‘Next Generation Broadband’ has become a recognisable slogan to reflect the Irish Government’s commitment to this issue, but what exactly does this mean and where how does this fit within the Europe 2020 objectives.

As High quality broadband throughout Ireland is a key commitment of the Government’s NewERA programme, the Minister for Communications, Energy and National Resources, Mr Pat Rabbitte, TD and Mr Fergus O’Dowd, TD, Minister of State for the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources have set up a high level task force group comprising of CEO’s of all the major telecommunications companies currently operating in the Irish market and CEO’s of some Internet Service Providers.

The work of this Task Group will critically inform “Broadband 21’ on how best to facilitate investment in NGB infrastructure and accelerate the delivery of high speed broadband across Ireland.

To date this Next Generational Broadband Taskforce (NGBT) task group has had two meet ups – in June and September of this year. Minister Rabbitte has reported that he is pleased at the pace of the work of this task force and looks forward to the group finalising and presenting its recommendations on the planning and development of deliverable targets for high speed broadband by the end of this year.

Ireland is tasked with meeting tough targets set by Neelie Kroes, European Commissioner for Europe’s Digital Agenda which she spoke about at the 17th Annual TIF Conference. Her aim is that by 2020 ‘all European citizens will have access to broadband speeds of 30Mbps and at least half of European households will subscribe to speeds of 100Mbps or higher.’

The EU has also pledged its commitment to invest €9.2 billion from 2014 to 2020 on pan-European projects to give EU citizens and business access to high speed broadband. And while Neelie Kroes pointed out that the EU will not be writing ‘blank cheques’ to fund this broadband rollout, ‘there are structural and regional funds that are available to ensure regions enjoy the social and economic benefits of true broadband.’

‘Society, education and small to medium-sized Irish firms have the most to gain from the digital economy, says Cisco country manager Mary Lou Nolan, who urges the country to develop the right strategies for the challenges of tomorrow’.

Mary Lou also believes the Government and private sector need to work together to speed up progress in this area and as a parent is passionate about the role ICT has to play in developing and contributing to enhanced educational opportunities in this country.

In her inspirational speech at the Intel Conference on 12-14 October, the Commissioner not only thanked Intel for their support and positive contributions to the Europe 2020 strategy to date; but she also used this as an opportunity to mark the one year anniversary of the Innovation Union and discussed some of the positive developments that has happened as well as goals for the future.

The Commissioner reported that the overwhelming public response to the Green Paper consultation titled ‘Towards a Common Strategic Framework for EU Research and Innovation Funding’, called strongly for a simplified process in accessing finance.

The Commissioner emphasised the newly named ‘Horizon 2020’ programme was more than the establishment of a new title. Instead she sees this initiative as a significant symbol towards demonstrating the cohesiveness of the new funding focus; where funding currently provided by the Framework Programme for Research and Technical Development, the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) will now be brought together in a more coherent manner.

She also announced that the full report for Horizon 2020 will be presented at the end of the year with a proposal for an EU-wide venture capital scheme to be included in this report. Although she was not in a position to give a full report at this stage, she did emphasise that the proposals will sit within three distinct but mutually reinforcing blocks, including ‘Excellence in the science base’, ‘Creating industrial leadership and competitive frameworks’ and ‘Tackling societal challenges’.

Her speech signifies that these are exciting but challenging times for Ireland. It was also heart-warming to see that the one year anniversary of the Innovation Union coincided with positive news released via FORFÁS {Ireland’s policy advisory board for enterprise and science} highlighting Ireland as a major player in the games sector ‘Ireland can become a global game hub for the 21st century’, with the reasons why neatly vocalised by Barry O’Leary, Chief Executive, IDA Ireland in his words below:

“In addition to the worldwide reputation for innovation, creativity and technology there are many tangible reasons why Ireland will succeed further in the games sector. The depth of our competencies in software engineering, wireless and internet technologies, global customer relationship management, localisation and analytics allied with a pro-business environment means that Ireland has all the key ingredients for growth”

On the 9th February 2011, the European Commission released a Green paper titled ‘Towards a Common Strategic Framework for EU Research and Innovation funding’.

This paper proposes major changes to EU research and innovation practice; the focus being on easier participation and increasing the scientific and economic impact of research initiatives.

The Advisory Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (ACSTI), supported by Forfás, are leading a national consultation in Ireland designed to result in a ‘national position paper’. If you wish you may also submit your views directly to the Commission via European Commission, Research & Innovation.  Please note contributions need to be in by Friday 20^th May 2011.

Following this consultation process, legislative decisions on how the European Commission expect to proceed on this matter will be presented by the Commission at the end of 2011.  Recommended changes are expected to be introduced in the next EU budget in 2013.

The European Commission is also seeking a new name for its EU Research & Innovation Programme.  If you think you can up with something catchy and original which captures the flavour of this initiative, then why not enter the competition yourself?  Please note entries for this ‘You Name It’ competition need to be in by midnight 10^th May 2011.

Lastly just in case you missed it, the Waterford Institute of Technology are running a Research Day 2011 titled ‘Celebration of Research, Innovation, Scholarship & Creativity’ on Wed 13^th April 2011.  Keynote speakers include: Professor Frances Ruane, Director, The Economic & Social Research Institute and Dr Willie Donnelly, Head of Research & Innovation, Waterford Institute of Technology.

Cloud computing as the latest technological advancement in the business world is definitely an area for Irish technological whizz-kids to show off their prowess.  Certainly Paul Rellis, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland feels Ireland should capitalise on this strong position in a recent statement:

“In recent months it has become very clear to me that the rapidly developing area of Cloud Computing can play a significant part in Ireland’s strategy to improve competitiveness and to drive economic growth fuelled by both Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and a healthy indigenous community.”

{FinFacts Ireland, 24 Jan 2011}

For those who might not be aware of the concept, ‘Cloud Computing’ offers a whole use new way of accessing computer applications.  Companies no longer need to purchase expensive hardware to complete many of their business tasks, but instead can log into remote external servers meaning they can access their business data from anywhere at any time.

Of course, there are concerns with regard to privacy and data ownership, but no doubt these will ironed out over time.  But this in no way diminishes the far-reaching and positive consequences that such technological advances will have on how we conduct business.

Erik van Ommeren and Martin van den Berg in their new book ‘Seize the Cloud –A Manager’s Guide to Success with Cloud Computing’ warn businesses however that not having a proper structure in how to use this service in their business practice could cause more harm than good.

I am presently committed to learning more about the whole area of  ‘Cloud Computing’ and how it applies to business practice in particular.  In time I will share my knowledge with SME’s and entrepreneurs on what I believe is the right combination for their unique business needs.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Patricia at a Stilettos networking meeting late last year. Straight away I knew I would work with Patricia in the future. In December 2010 I asked Patricia to rescue me from my world of chaos. I badly needed to organise myself and my office system. I thought I was hiring Patricia to do just that however she did much more. Vopam provided me with professional administration management along with customised advice and a personalised system. I was left with a more strategic view for my business along with understanding the importance of linking my office management to the overall objectives of my company. In every way my expectations were exceeded. My business is without doubt more efficient because of your help. Thank you for and I look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.” February 16, 2011

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity

Gillian Horan – Business Consult,
hired Patricia as a Business Consultant in 2010, and hired Patricia more than once

In the past, my gaze has tended to focus on outdoor gurus who display great courage in conquering normal human fear to chart new paths; often through difficult and challenging terrain.

Due to my own curiosity and personal interests, I was fortunate that I got to spend a proportion of my life immersed in such an environment.  During this stint, I ended up learning more than I had initially anticipated on how participating in outdoor experiential activities can help colour existential perception.

The genuine humbleness and spirit of some of the outdoor gurus I came into contact with, was a real pleasure to behold.  It’s also interesting that many of these ‘experts’ have decided to dedicate their time to help others develop and surpass perceptions of their own capability.

Due to the rhythm of life and my respect for the different directions it can sometimes take – I am not currently in such an environment.  I have instead been thrown into a different space – one that is much more technically advanced and ground-breaking in a whole new way.

This has been initiated mostly through my contact with the Limerick Open Coffee Club {LOCC}.  For those of you who don’t know, LOCC is an informal networking gathering for all those involved in business within the Limerick area.  Although it is open to all, in the past it has tended towards ‘techies’; not for any preferential reason, but mostly because it was marketed and established through the social media medium, and these were the only people engaged at this time.

It is only recently that I have linked the connection between my attraction to the philosophy of the LOCC group and the individual’s it attracts, alongside my understanding of what motivates outdoor gurus.   As I see it, both techies and outdoor types display an adventurous fearless spirit in tackling the world as it is and creating pathways that are new and innovative. Both, having discovered the pleasure of doing so, wish to share this joy with others.

This is certainly the energy I pick up from my attendance at LOCC gatherings.  Although the group is now attracting a broader range of business interests – which is indeed welcome; I believe the generosity and goodwill of the founding members continues to influence the direction and feel of this group.

There is no doubt that the growing success of LOCC shows there is room in people’s lives for networking opportunities that can be conducted in free, open, non-obligatory spaces, which encourage natural and frank exchanges from people to people and not just business to business.

For anyone interested in ‘exploring’ the networking opportunity that LOCC offers, the group meets on the first Thursday of every month in the Absolute Hotel at 11am.

Last Monday 24 January 2011, Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn announced a series of steps designed to reduce red-tape for interested parties in accessing European Union Research & Development grants.

It is hoped and expected that these steps will boost excellence in research and innovation by encouraging more small and medium enterprises (SME’s), as well as high-tech start -ups to apply for these funding opportunities

The measures proposed, which are to take immediate effect include:

• Greater flexibility in how personnel costs are calculated
• SME owners can now be reimbursed at an hourly rate for work completed on research projects
• A new steering group will be put in place to ensure consistency in service.

This announcement coincides with Maire Geogheagan-Quinn’s first term in office; as well as a mid-term review of the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).

Although the ‘Innovation Union’ Flagship Initiative contains within it a number of objectives towards turning ideas into jobs, green growth and social progress – this move is the first concrete steps taken to deliver on promises set out.

Results however should soon be forthcoming from the first cross-cutting public / private partnership collaborative research process on the grand challenge on how to promote active and healthy aging, as the deadline for submitting ideas closed on Friday Jan 28^th.

In this consultation process, the Commissioner sought views from interested parties on how they though the European Innovation Partnerships (EIP) would work in practice in dealing with this important topic.  No doubt the results of this research and the role of EIP’s in particular, will be one of the main topics at next week’s European Council Meeting, scheduled to take place on Friday 4^th February 2011.

In terms of her performance to date, Graça Carvalho, (EPP Portugal), says he is happy with the performance of Commissioner and her team.   Reinhilde Veugelers, professor at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and Senior Fellow at the Bruegel  think tank, said he too is happy and pleasantly ‘surprised at her willingness to be ambitious’.  He hopes for her to keep on ‘walking the walk’ and not end up ‘talking the talk’ (Jenkinson, 2011).

Clearly it is good to see movement happening with these important matters and no doubt Commissioner Maire Geoghegan-Quinn and her team are working tirelessly in their areas of responsibility.  However there is a long way to go towards meeting all the objectives set out, and over time I look forward to tracking progress on these initiatives.

Sources / References:

Jenkinson, A (2011) ‘R&D grant rules are simplified’ Science/Business

(2011), EU to increase research funding accessibility, Intel@tex.

(2011), EU moves to cut red tape for research, Euroactiv.com

As part of an online consultation, that runs until Friday 28 January 2011 – the European Commission is seeking views of public and private organisations and individual citizens, on how they think Europe can meet the challenges of this phenomenon.  The commission is particularly interested in hearing views on the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) pilot, due to be launched in 2011.  The goals of the initiative being to:

• Improve the health and quality of life of elder people, enabling them to live active and independent lives.
• To contribute to the sustainability and efficiency of health and social care systems.
• To foster competitiveness and business opportunities.

Thus far, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) innovative initiatives are making great headway towards dealing with this issue.  The European Commission presented a report in December 2010 on the progress of the Ambient Assisted Living Joint programme (AAL JP) which demonstrates a high level of SME involvement.   This €600 million research and development programme involving 23 countries, is particularly focussed on looking at smart ICT solutions.

New solutions proposed include, having robots perform household chores for the elderly, fall detection and prevention devises and easy to use social interaction services to overcome loneliness.   The Multimodal Interfaces for Disabled and Ageing Society (MIDAS), part of the ITEA2 programme, is one such initiative that addresses this challenge, focusing both on the areas of healthcare and prevention.  ITEA2 have also released the opening date of it’s sixth call for projects – 15th February 2011 in Paris, France.

The commission is seeking views from:  organisations representing the elderly, patients, hospitals and care service providers, health and care professionals, insurers, Information and Communications (ICT) and health companies, public authorities and individual citizens, to help identify barriers to innovation and ideas on how to contribute to creating a more active and healthy ageing population.