A new report has suggested that between 117,000 and 215,000 jobs could be created through increased innovation and growth in the high-tech sector in Ireland.
The report of the Innovation Taskforce outlines how the Government should prioritise funding in innovation in order to get the greatest return for the economy.
The pace of implementation will determine the date by which jobs can be delivered, but the taskforce says the jobs will be a reality in certain areas quite quickly, particularly if smaller overseas companies are encouraged to locate in Ireland.
The taskforce says increasing the number of start-up companies will increase the number of jobs slowly, but growing existing companies and increasing inward investment are two areas that can help create jobs quickly.
Potential is not being realised, according to the taskforce, and the State has a major role to play in making this happen through encouraging growth and innovation.
It says encouraging a convergence between multinationals and a flexible research infrastructure will help create flagship objects that will stimulate the economy and create products that can be sold internationally.
The group says each of the 24 specific key recommendations fall into the overall message of what can be achieved in terms of outcomes for the Irish economy.
The taskforce hopes to grow Ireland as a global innovation hub and the best location in Europe to start and grow a business.
