Innovation Seminar, 24th May, 2010

A Seminar entitled: 'Transforming Enterprise through Innovation - lessons from the Danish, Swedish and Irish Experience' was held in Government Buildings on Monday 24th May 2010. The event was organised jointly by the Department of the Taoiseach, the Embassies of Denmark and Sweden and Enterprise Ireland. The Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen T. D. met the Danish and Swedish Ambassadors and the speakers at the event.

HE Niels Pultz, Ambassador of Denmark, Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD, HE Claes Ljundahl, Ambassador of Sweden.

In welcoming the holding of the Seminar the Taoiseach said:

"The Innovation Taskforce set out an ambitious plan for Ireland to become a Global Innovation Hub. Today's event provides a valuable opportunity for Ireland to share experiences with two other small countries with a strong track record in innovation"

The Seminar was organised as a follow up to the Report of the Innovation Taskforce and provided an opportunity to compare Danish, Swedish and Irish approaches to the promotion of innovation within existing enterprises with a view to identifying common themes and lessons for the future. The event included presentations from high-level policy makers from Demmark and Sweden and representatives from innovative Danish, Swedish and Irish companies.

The event was chaired by Mr. Dermot McCarthy, Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach, who also chaired the Innovation Taskforce. Speakers included:

•         Jørgen Rosted, Director of FORA (Research Agency of the Danish Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs)
•         Jenni Nordborg, Head of Bioentrepreneurship Unit, VINNOVA (Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation)
•         Martin Lyes, Divisional Manager, Research & Innovation, Enterprise Ireland
•         Per Kokholm Sørensen, Widex  (Danish company specialising in digital hearing aid technology retailing in Ireland under the Bonavox brand)
•         Gerard Keenan, Keenan Engineering (Irish company leading in feed solution provision)
•         Rickard Öste, Oatly (Swedish company specialising in innovative oat-based non-dairy products)

Dermot McCarthy, Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach; HE Claes Ljundahl, Ambassador of Sweden; Rickard Öste, Oatly; HE Niels Pultz Ambassador of Denmark; Jørgen Rosted, Director of FORA (Research Agency of the Danish Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs);  Jenni Nordborg, VINNOVA (Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation); Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD; Per Kokholm Sørensen, Widex (retailing in Ireland under Bonavox brand); Martin Lyes, Enterprise Ireland; Gerard Keenan,  Keenan Engineering.

Copies of the presentations delivered at the Seminar can be viewed below.