Collaborative Research

Through the Research and Developmental endeavours of its Academic Staff, DKIT has now developed a strong applied R&D reputation across a range of discipline areas. The Institute is well aware of the relationship between research, practice and teaching. The evolution of this range of Research expertise has a direct bearing on new course development, on staff development and on the relevance of graduate provision to the skills needs of the Regional and National economy.

The Regional Development Centre engages in Applied Research and Development, knowledge and technology transfer with Industry, in a range of support mechanisms aimed at encouraging joint research between industry and DKIT.

The Regional Development Centre delivers several programmes aimed at assisting both new and established companies to develop and improve their products, processes and business models.These include:

• Enterprise Ireland's research voucher scheme (www.enterprise-ireland.com)
• BMW Assembly Research Voucher scheme (www.bmwassembly.ie)
• FUSION from InterTradeIreland (www.helixireland.com)
• Innovation Partnership (www.enterprise-ireland.com)

In all cases, a collaborative R&D project is defined by a member of one of DkIT's Research Centres and agreed with the business partner/promoter. Once funding is secured from the relevant Body (grant aid varies from 60% to 100% depending on the programme) and the necessary personnel have been recruited (not necessary for Voucher projects), the work can commence. Project duration can vary from months to years, depending on the programme and the complexity of the challenge.

The Centre also actively engages with Industry through the Fusion Programme whereby companies from Northern Ireland engage with the Academic staff for the development and delivery of technical projects.

For further details contact:

Mr Sean MacEntee

Incubation Centre Manager

Tel: +353 (0) 429370453

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it