Evolution of Ireland’s Industrial, Science and Technology Policy

There has been a concerted empirical research focus on industrial, science and technology policy from a large country perspective. Small economies and countries industrial, science and technology policy has been the focus of limited empirical research and attention. To address this imbalance the purpose of this monograph is examine the evolution of industrial, science and technology policy from a small country perspective. Taking Ireland a small open economy located on the peripheral of Europe that has made significant economic and industrial advances with consistent and evolving industrial, science and technology policies. In particular, we focus and examine the evolution of Irish industrial development, the develop of Irish industrial cluster with a distinct focus on the case of the medical technology cluster in the West of Ireland and Ireland’s education research policy designed to build capacity and scientific capabilities. We conclude by discussing the challenges and implications of industrial science and technology from a small country perspective. We also reflect on the future industrial, science and technology policy considerations that Ireland as a small open economy needs to focus on in order to evolve, maintain and grow its international industrial, science and technology reputation and standing.