good NEIGHBOURS S I N C E T H E R EC E N T M E R G E R O F I N S T I T U T ES O F T EC H N O LO GY I N T R A L E E
A N D C O R K , T H E N E W LY E S TA B L I S H E D M U N S T E R T E C H N O LO G I C A L U N I V E R S I T Y ( M T U ) H A S A N I M P R ES S I V E G R O U P O F T EC H N O LO GY G AT E WAYS U N D E R I TS U M B R E L L A , A N D S T R O N G R ES E A R C H R E L AT I O N S H I P S W I T H N E I G H B O U R I N G I N D U S T R I ES , B OT H I N D I G E N O U S A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L .
DEANNA O’CONNOR investigates the advantages of tech clusters.
Brid McElligot
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Ireland’s Institutes of Technology have a long history of harnessing the power of industry collaboration; working with external partners has led to tangible impacts in the regions, fostering innovation clusters around these centres of learning. The recent amalgamation of Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and IT Tralee into Munster Technological University (MTU), has created an impressive multi-campus university with a regional footprint of six sites across the South West region, in Cork and Kerry, offering over 140 programmes, and hosting a student body of 18,000. On the establishment of the new University, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD called it “an important milestone for higher education in Ireland” and noted the regional impact, saying, “The new Munster Technological University will start its journey and drive access, excellence, and regional development. It will strengthen the links with businesses in the country and the community, all of which will greatly enrich and enhance the South West”. “A strong and innovative higher education sector is vital to sustaining and developing community and economy,” states Bríd McElligott, Vice President for Research, Development and External Engagement at MTU. “The establishment of MTU represents a transformative change in access to higher education, professional training, focused research and community/enterprise engagement in Kerry and the South West. Creating a strong economy depends on creating places that can foster enterprise and innovation and attract investment and talent. Partnering with industry and community, MTU will build on a legacy of strong cross-sector relationships with start-ups, innovators and industry leading companies and will work with its many stakeholders to ensure the region leverages the potential of its location.”
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