The Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen TD, is in California today on the second leg of his visit to the United States.
The Taoiseach will hold talks with the President of Stanford University, Dr John Hennessy. Stanford is one of the leading universities in the world with a global reputation for science, research and innovation.
Stanford has hosted 60 CEOs from Irish IT and life science companies under the Enterprise Ireland leadership for Growth programme. A member of Stanford faculty, Burton Lee, was a member of the Government's Innovation Taskforce, whose report was published last week.
Before the meeting, the Taoiseach commented:
" Last week, the Government launched the Innovation Taskforce report, which is central to our plan for Ireland's economic renewal.
We have many important attributes that can enable us to become a Global Innovation Hub in Europe.
These include a young population, a strong educational standard, a good tax and regulatory environment and a culture and mindset that promotes innovation and international collaboration.
The Innovation Taskforce identified the higher education sector as a crucial element in a successful innovation ecosystem.
An education system that fosters independent thinking, creativity and innovation is vital in a smart economy.
We need to learn from the best and work with the best.
So I am delighted to be able to meet with President Hennessy of Stanford University and to listen and learn from his experience. "
The Taoiseach is also expected to meet with the President of University College Dublin and the Provost of Trinity College Dublin to help promote greater collaboration between the new TCD-UCD Innovation Alliance and leading US universities.
Later, the Taoiseach will open a new Irish Innovation Centre in Silicon Valley.
ENDS