All-island collaboration to address challenges in polymer research
The Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing (ATIM) Cluster at Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone Campus has launched PolymerConnect, a cross-border initiative designed to address critical challenges facing the polymer industry.
This project, run in partnership with Northern Ireland Polymer Association (NIPA), Polymer Technology Ireland (PTI), and First Polymer Training Skillnet, aims to create an industry-driven directory of key sectoral partners across the island of Ireland.
The polymer industry in Ireland, encompassing more than 350 companies, is a crucial driver of innovation in sectors such as medtech, ICT, biopharma, agri-food, automotive, construction, and aerospace.
However, the sector faces significant challenges, including regulatory pressures, supply chain disruptions, and material production and management issues. These challenges, if unaddressed, could hinder the sector’s growth, impacting both the economy and the environment.
Over the course of 13 months, the PolymerConnect team will collect vital data from companies to categorise and understand the economic contribution of the polymer sector across the island of Ireland.
Using this data, the project partners will identify untapped collaboration opportunities and foster new projects, support business-to-business and business-academic partnerships, and drive innovation and competitiveness.
PolymerConnect is funded by InterTradeIreland under the Synergy Programme which aims to scale cross-border collaboration, using cluster and network development supports to increase the impact of programmes with economic benefit to Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Damien McConville, programme manager for innovation and entrepreneurship at InterTradeIreland, said: “PolymerConnect will play a pivotal role in strengthening the polymer sector across the island. By providing valuable data and fostering collaboration, we can really understand challenges, drive innovation and competitiveness, which will benefit the wider economy and environment.”
Caitríona Mordan, manager of ATIM Cluster, added: “The PolymerConnect Project marks a significant step forward in addressing the challenges facing the polymer industry in Ireland. By leveraging data-driven insights and fostering collaboration across the island, we aim to build a globally competitive all-island polymer ecosystem.”
The project will be hosted on multiple platforms, including the ATIM Cluster website, Polymer Technology Ireland (PTI) website, NIPA website, and InterTradeIreland website.
Mark McAuley from IBEC emphasised the project’s significance for industry growth: “IBEC’s development of the Plastics Map of Ireland in 2016 laid the groundwork for mapping our polymer sector. The PolymerConnect platform will take this to the next level, significantly enhancing the visibility and recognition of Ireland’s polymer industry on both national and international stages. This project is crucial for supporting businesses in connecting, innovating, and driving the sector forward.”
TechCentral Reporters
Subscribers 0
Fans 0
Followers 0
Followers