Innovation, Digitalisation, Enterprise & Society

IDEAS is a Postgraduate Research Training Programme funded by TU Rise. RISE@ ATU is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-27. IDEAS aims to become a centre of academic excellence in regional innovation systems and digitalisation by establishing a strong collaborative environment with our partner enterprises and addressing the existing regional disparities in terms of economic and social performance between the Northern and Western region (NWR) and the other regions of Ireland.

IDEAS aligns with the National Smart Specialisation Strategy for Innovation 2022-2027 by tackling the need to reduce the regional disparity in GDP per capita and regional innovation spending. It acknowledges the region’s rural structure, its relatively peripheral and border location, and the wider implications for human capital development and society.

What we Do

IDEAS will drive economic growth and human capital development in Ireland’s northern and western regions. Ireland faces important challenges with regional disparities in R&D, innovation, digitalisation, and economic growth. Therefore, regional development is a priority for the national government and European Commission.

IDEAS aims to become a centre of excellence for research in regional innovation systems, enterprise, and digitalisation. It will contribute to the debate on the digital revolution’s wider implications and stimulate innovation and cooperation between research and industry.

Discover our Research

• Digitalisation and the Social Enterprise Ecosystem: Developing a framework to promote social enterprises in remote regions
• An exploration of the interactions and relationships between key stakeholders within entrepreneurial ecosystems
• How effective is digitalisation as a tool for balanced regional development in Ireland?
• Shaping a Digitally Interconnected Innovation Corridor for MedTech Entrepreneurship in the Northern and Western Region of Ireland
• Information technology solutions for enhanced regional connectivity in the North and West of Ireland
• A Blockchain-Integrated Digital Twin Framework for Ensuring Supply Chain Security and Transparency in Irish MedTech SMEs
• Addressing climate action in Irish hospitality through adoption of a digitalised roadmap in SMTE Communities of Practice
• Harnessing the power of digital influencers for socially responsible business
• Digital innovation for remote working
• Advancing women in leadership in the ICT and innovation sector
• Health outcomes of socially excluded older people in the age of digitalisation
• Building Business Communities in the Gaeltacht Regions through Leveraging the Digital Ecosystem

What’s New for IDEAS

• January PhD Symposium
• 100 Day Viva

Our Impact

The IDEAS research group will enhance collaboration between ATU and our Industry partners. Our research will support enterprise growth and regional development.

Podcasts

Contact details

Valerie.McTaggart@atu.ie
Ken.VanSomeren@atu.ie
Amaya.Vega@atu.ie