Ireland’s publicly funded research system added €953 million to the economy last year, creating jobs and launching new business projects.
Research spending jumps 8% to €953 million
The Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey for 2025 showed total research expenditure rose by 8.3% from the previous year. By year-end, 1,450 industry research and development projects were active nationwide.
The survey counted 2,393 new R&D and consultancy agreements with businesses and non-commercial groups. Irish small and medium-sized enterprises accounted for nearly two-thirds of these deals.
Invention disclosures increased by 18% to 528, while patent applications climbed 49% to 118. Licensing activity expanded as well, with 260 Licence, Option and Assignment agreements signed, marking an 18% annual rise. Eight out of ten licenses went to domestic companies.
New spin-out companies emerged from the research system. Twenty formed in 2025, raising the total active spin-outs to 178. These firms now employ 2,467 people. Since 2021, 127 spin-outs have been established from publicly funded research.
Licensing deals resulted in new products reaching the market. Twenty entered commercial use last year through these agreements.
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Government and industry praise collaboration
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke stated the figures reflect the benefits of connecting Ireland’s research base with local businesses. He noted the strong involvement of Irish SMEs, showing how research and innovation help companies develop new products and improve competitiveness.
Joe Healy, Divisional Manager for Research & Innovation at Enterprise Ireland, said partnerships between universities and the research sector convert ideas into commercial opportunities. “We are ensuring that cutting-edge research is translated into real-world solutions, competitive advantage and high-value jobs for Irish companies,” he said.
Healy highlighted the role of technology transfer teams, which handle intellectual property and assist in commercializing discoveries. “Enterprise Ireland will continue to work closely with the technology transfer offices and the wider research community to keep Ireland at the forefront of innovation and enterprise development,” he added.
For small businesses, the support often provides more than funding. A local manufacturer developing a prototype for years may struggle when scaling production. Public research partnerships can supply needed expertise, testing facilities, or access to university networks that serve as a customer base. This practical assistance frequently determines whether a product remains shelved or reaches global markets.
The survey’s results arrive as Ireland strengthens its position in high-tech industries like pharmaceuticals, software, and renewable energy. While the numbers show growth, they also highlight concerns about how much innovation remains within the country. Many spin-outs and licensed products are acquired by multinational corporations, potentially moving jobs and intellectual property abroad. The report indicates the system still produces a steady flow of new ideas and companies that may balance these losses.
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