2.4 LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICE
OBJECTIVE 1: Environment for Start-Ups By operating as a single cohesive unit LEO Kildare and Kildare County Council’s Economic Development unit leverages the full range of potential enterprise support/economic development promotion mechanisms across KCC economic development remit.
2017 – 2020 IMPLEMENTATION
2021-2024 PLAN
County Kildare boasts a thriving innovation ecosystem and has seen the emergence of a dynamic entrepreneurial culture in the past 5 years. LEO Kildare is a main driving force behind the creation of innovation clusters leading to economic growth and job creation. With the support of Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund and Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, Kildare County Council is investing in a dynamic capital programme to develop clusters of expertise in each of the following Innovation Hubs:
Building on our strong foundation there is potential to substantially grow the County’s innovation ecosystem and position it as a leading National innovation and start-up centre. Planned actions include:
1.
Mid-East Region Innovation Think Space (MERITS) in partnership with KCC & EI 2. Equine Innovation Hub at the Irish National Stud in partnership with KCC ,EI ,Horse Racing Ireland & LEADER 3. Food / Drink and AgriTech Innovation Hub in partnership with KCC, EI,UCD ,Boyne Valley Hub & Coco Cola 4. Green Tech Innovation Centre in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and Bord na Mona At macro level these interventions have a deep impact on economic growth and at micro level they help create multiple jobs, wealth and innovative ventures
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• The Innovate Kildare Programme will be established to identify, prioritise and coordinate activities and complementary actions in the field of entrepreneurship, through synergies among agents of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. • In tandem with “Kildare 2025” Kildare County Council Economic Strategy , the Local Enterprise Development Plan aims to create a favorable business environment (including access to finance), promoting entrepreneurship, implementing the regional research and innovation strategy for smart specialisation as well as identifying obstacles, barriers and critical measures for entrepreneurship. • Key to the delivery of this objective will be the continuation of our countywide Innovation Hub Strategy to nurture commercial activities in our key areas. We will also continue to identify suitable locations and support the provision of co-working facilities, and eWorking centres throughout the County that function as outreach hubs for city-based employers and promote flexible working arrangements.
