The Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey 2025 shows rising innovation activity and increased industry collaboration within the Irish ecosystem.

Enterprise Ireland has published the Annual Knowledge Transfer Survey (AKTS) 2025, which explores Ireland’s publicly funded research ecosystem, its impact on the country and how knowledge is shared and engaged with.  

According to the report, it was a year of strong performances across Ireland’s research and innovation spaces, which is indicative of the growing impact of publicly funded research on enterprise development, economic growth and job creation.

“The 2025 results highlight a research and innovation system that is both expanding in scale and increasing in impact,” said Joe Healy, the divisional manager of research, innovation and infrastructure, at Enterprise Ireland.

He added, “Total research expenditure across research performing organisations reached €953m, reflecting sustained investment and confidence in Ireland’s research base. 

“This investment is delivering tangible outcomes, with 2,393 new R&D and consultancy agreements and 1,450 active industry-linked research projects demonstrating a high level of engagement between researchers and enterprise.”

Ireland’s research base remains a significant asset within the region as the €953m figure is reflective of an 8.3pc (€73m) increase on research expenditure from the previous year. This in turn highlights growing confidence in research systems and the potential to compete. 

Key figures

Additional key figures include the employment of 2,467 people via research spin outs, the creation of 20 new spin out companies, 1,450 active R&D projects as of December 31st 2025, 25 new product and services launched, 118 new patent applications filed and 528 new invention disclosures. 

Commenting on the announcement, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, said, “These results demonstrate the value of connecting Ireland’s world-class research base with the ambition and innovation of Irish enterprise.

“In 2025, there were 2,393 new agreements with industry, a significant increase in patent applications and new spin-out companies employing almost 2,500 people, all showing that publicly funded research is delivering tangible benefits for the economy, supporting jobs, competitiveness and regional development.

“The strong level of engagement from Irish SMEs is particularly encouraging, highlighting how research and innovation are helping businesses of all sizes to develop new products, access new opportunities and strengthen international competitiveness.”

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