The idea of researchers from colleges North and South working on joint projects is to be examined by education authorities on both sides of the Border.
There are no technical barriers to joint research, but a structure to make it happen may be needed, said Dr Sean Farren, the Northern Ireland Minister of Higher and Further Education.
He was speaking during a visit to Dublin yesterday, where he met Dr Don Thornhill, chairman of the Higher Education Authority (HEA), whose officials will investigate potential cross-Border co-operation at third level, including research.
Dr Farren said there was already co-operation among individual academics in both jurisdictions, but funding for specific North-South projects would be explored during talks between his officials and those from the HEA.
Dr Farren also visited the National College of Ireland, based in Sandyford, Co Dublin. He wanted to see the college because of its tradition of offering accessible courses to a range of social groups.
During the meeting, the head of the college, Prof Joyce O'Connor, also discussed plans for the college's new campus in Dublin's docklands. She said it would be a "campus-without-walls", providing modern learning facilities to facilitate the college's mission.
"The college in the docklands will continue to provide flexible, high-quality education which is responsive to the needs of business and the community, with provision for multiple entry and progression routes," she said.