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Frances Fitzgerald

We need more EU support for tech start-ups and SMEs

Updated: Apr 17, 2023

Fine Gael MEP candidate for Dublin, Frances Fitzgerald TD, has today called for more EU supports for Irish tech start-ups and SMEs. Fitzgerald committed to supporting this sector if elected to the European Parliament on 24th of May.


“Dublin has established itself as Europe’s top destination for tech companies. However, as a former Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I know that our start-ups and SMEs need more support to compete effectively with larger companies, gain a greater market share and to diversify.


“If elected as Dublin’s MEP I will drive support in the European Parliament for the new European Innovation Council, as proposed in the EU’s next seven year budget from 2021 to 2027.  


“The Innovation Council will provide a one-stop-shop for small technology companies with high scale up potential, aiming to make Europe a front-runner in market-creating innovation.

“Dublin, with its established position as a tech leader in Europe, can really benefit from this and I will campaign to ensure there are clear lines of funding available for Irish tech start-ups and SMEs. This will support Dublin’s innovators, entrepreneurs, and small companies and help them to scale up internationally.”


“I have also been working closely with Tánaiste Simon Coveney to progress the concept of ‘entrepreneur ambassadors’, based on the model of the European Round Table of Industrialists. Such a forum would allow senior industry figures to meet and consider new ideas with Member State governments and I will work to make this concept a strong Irish initiative if elected to the European Parliament.


ENDS


Notes to Editors


The European Commission has proposed a first ever Digital Europe Programme through the next EU budget 2021-2027. The Commission plans to invest €9.2 billion in this Programme, which will bring the benefits of the digital transformation to all European citizens and businesses. It will promote large-scale deployment of digital technologies across economic sectors and it will support the digital transformation of public services and businesses.


The new European Innovation Council, as proposed in the next EU budget 2021-2027, will provide direct funding to innovators through Europe-wide, open competition, with a focus on all areas of disruptive and breakthrough market-creating innovation. The Commission will appoint 15 to 20 innovation leaders to a European Innovation Council Advisory Board to oversee the European Innovation Council pilot, prepare the future European Innovation Council, and champion the European Innovation Council globally.

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