THE Government White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation has generated, at the same time, feelings of both anti climax and satisfaction among those who have been lobbying for it.
There is disappointment about the absence of new specific financial commitments and targets for the development of the area.
As the White Paper is, in essence, a re statement of recommendations (from the Report of the Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (STIAC), there is no excitement arising from the publication of any new or unexpected vision.
Yet, for those who have for years been concerned about official neglect of the area, the mere fact of the publication of a White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation is cause for celebration.
The Minister of State for Commerce, Science, and Technology, Mr Pat Rabbitte, has been given generous praise by the Industry, Research and Development Group (IRDG), which is affiliated to IBEC, and by the Irish Research Scientists Association (IRSA).
"He has laid a foundation stone. I think he has done a great job," says Dr Dick Kavanagh, managing director of IRDG. "He grabbed the ball at the start and he's been running with it ever since."
The executive secretary of IRSA, Dr John Donovan, has said the minister must be congratulated for the strong commitment he has shown, and for an "honest attempt to provide a starting point".
There is widespread appreciation for the work Mr Rabbitte has put into a task which many politicians might see has having little personal political reward.
The elements of the White Paper which have generated most interest are the recommendations to set up a permanent Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council, and an interdepartmental committee for science and technology.
"If these two things happen, it will be a tremendous step," says Dr Kavanagh.
With the state spending almost £800 million per annum on science and technology through its various departments and agencies (almost half of this on education), it makes obvious sense to introduce as much co ordination and interdepartmental communication as possible.
The Science Council will facilitate communication between the government and its agents, interested agencies in Europe, industry and the colleges.
And so, in theory, a seamless structure will be set in place. A position paper drafted by the council would have a better chance of actually being implemented if the council "feeds into" the interdepartmental committee.
However Dr Donovan says he has misgivings about "yet more boards and councils being set up". There are about 50 such bodies concerned with science and technology but no one person who has primary responsibility for the area.
Dr Kavanagh says that Irish industry has to invest in research and development and create a culture of "innovation if it wishes to survive and prosper.
In general, he believes, there is an average threefold return from investments in research and development (R&D). "If we can increase the spend we should get an enormous impact."
At present industry in Ireland, both indigenous and foreign owned, spends less than its British counter parts in every sector are only 300 companies engaged in significant levels of R&D in Ireland, he says. The R&D spend equals 1 per cent of GDP.
The manager of science and innovation development with Forbairt, Dr Martin Lyse, says it is no longer the case that Irish industry is 0 ing R&D. "The level of spending has gone up by around 17 per cent per annum over the last number of years. Irish companies are on the move in terms of R&D."
Dr Kavanagh agrees with the rate of increase, but says it comes from such a low base that we are still well below the European average.
Progress in developing an innovation culture based on a comfortable relationship with science and technology can be made on the basis of the structures contained in the White Paper, observers believe, but it will need funding and the involvement of committed, able personnel.
The future appointment of Minister for Science and Technology who had little interest in the area would, say those involved, be a disaster.