Higher education minister Simon Harris has launched outcomes from the Creating Our Future study which invited ideas from the public on how to build a better society in Ireland.
The campaign asked members of the public to submit research ideas based on the question: ‘Tell us your idea for what researchers in Ireland should explore to create a better future?’
Ideas like ‘car-free cities’ along with the importance of supporting innovation in the farming industry were highlighted in the c.18,000 ideas submitted and were considered by an expert committee. The ideas were then grouped into 16 thematic areas.
According to the report by an expert group, a lack of affordable housing was one of the factors for young people when they chose to emigrate, as well as the need for certainty for ‘generation rent’ as they get older.
Public submissions about innovation in the farming sector had a strong focus on sustainability. According to the report, ideas centred on reusing animal waste in place of slurry tanks and artificial fertiliser and the overall importance of supporting the Irish agriculture sector as it moves to reduce its carbon footprint.
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Some individuals called for housing policy to reflect the digital working environment.
The expert group concluded that researchers should design bespoke Irish solutions for services and infrastructure and solutions for the future cannot be developed in isolation of each other. Researchers should explore ways to live within our planetary boundaries with integrated sustainable solutions.
Speaking at the launch, minister Harris commented: “We wanted to open a discussion to everyone, to discover what was important to people, to find out what they would like to explore to create a better future for all.
"The campaign aimed to democratise research, and I am glad to say that we received research ideas from every county in the country.
“The expert committee report analysing the submissions paints a very interesting picture of the thoughts and concerns of the Irish public. Their findings, alongside all the submissions, now form a valuable and unique digital book of inspiration."
