Dublin: The Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey, coordinated by Knowledge Transfer Ireland, tracks key metrics from Ireland's publicly funded research organisations. The 2024 report highlights the vital role of research in driving enterprise growth, particularly among SMEs and scaling firms. With over £9.8 million of 2024 research expenditure derived from industry, 49 new LOAs (licences, options, and assignments) were signed with industry, the highest among the 20 Research Performing Organisations surveyed.
According to EMM, through strong performance in supporting industry R&D collaboration, Teagasc continues to drive real-world impact from its research outputs and industry engagements. Strong relationships with Research Ireland and Enterprise Ireland funded centres including VistaMilk, APC Microbiome, Meat Technology Ireland (MTI), and Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC) have also enhanced the pipeline of digital and bio-based technologies entering the commercial space.
In 2024, Teagasc recorded 27 invention disclosures, filed three new patent applications, and saw the market launch of three products or services arising from licensing activity. A notable example is the launch of Fidelity, a new potato variety developed through the long-standing Teagasc/IPM Potato Group collaboration. Fidelity contains a range of traits that are valuable to both growers and crisping processors, marking Teagasc's first licensed crisping variety. Already showing early commercial success, the variety is being rolled out by IPM Potato Group in the UK, continental Europe, and other international markets. This development reflects the shared commitment of Teagasc and IPM Potato Group to delivering sustainable, robust, and market-responsive potato varieties.