South East Technological University and Dungarvan Enterprise Centre partner to advance rural enterprise and innovation
South East Technological University (SETU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dungarvan Enterprise Centre (DEC) to designate DEC as one of TU RISE’s four Rural Enterprise Hubs. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen enterprise development and innovation across Dungarvan and West Waterford.The agreement was formalised following the official opening of DEC’s new facility at Fairlane, Dungarvan. Under the partnership, SETU and DEC will collaborate to support entrepreneurs and enterprise communities to develop, test and scale new solutions, particularly in AgriTech and related sectors that are central to the region’s economic and social fabric.
Professor Bill O’Gorman, Chairperson of Dungarvan Enterprise Centre, welcomed the collaboration: “Within the EU and Ireland, as expressed in Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021–2025, there is an increased understanding nationally and internationally that rural development is integrally linked to policies across a wide range of areas including spatial planning, enterprise growth, job creation, social cohesion, community development, public services, communications infrastructure, agriculture, the marine, climate adaptation, tourism, heritage, health and leisure.”
Professor O’Gorman added that he sees strong synergy between the TU RISE Rural Enterprise Programme and BECEE – Balanced and Enhanced Collaboration for an Entrepreneurship Ecosystem – part-funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology Higher Education Initiative, in which DEC is a key partner. Brian Ogilvie, Head of Entrepreneurship and Rural Engagement at SETU, said, “SETU is committed to working in partnership with enterprise centres and regional stakeholders to drive innovation and support vibrant rural communities. Through TU RISE, we are building capacity and infrastructure that enable entrepreneurs to thrive, and this new hub in Dungarvan will be a catalyst for collaborative research, technology adoption and enterprise growth.”
The TU RISE (Technological University Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise) programme is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–27 and the Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021–27. The programme supports the development of research capacity, knowledge transfer and enterprise engagement across the region.
SETU looks forward to working with Dungarvan Enterprise Centre to co-design and deliver initiatives that will enhance innovation, skills and entrepreneurship, supporting sustainable economic development in Dungarvan, West Waterford and beyond.
