Back in 2009, the Report of the Tourism Renewal Group highlighted the research deficit in Irish tourism. It noted that -
- Tourism must have a strong knowledge base, competing as it does in the global marketplace
- Industry should be supported by a world-class research, education and training capacity in third level institutions
- Policy requires robust evidence and analysis in both government and institutions
- There is no dedicated State funding for research and development in tourism currently compared with over €100 million for research in agriculture , fisheries and food
- Fáilte Ireland should have access to the Science, Technology and Innovation Programme of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (now Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation)
Three years on, little has changed. The Irish tourism research landscape is nowhere near the world-class standard that Maurice Pratt's report called for.
Meanwhile, the Report of the Research Prioritisation Steering Group is impressive and it is clear from its interpretation of the 'terms of reference' that it was not asked to prioritise one research area over another. The report identifies 14 priority areas which it recommends should be the focus of future investment directed towards economic outcomes. Tourism is mentioned within two priority areas namely, Digital Platforms, Content and Applications and Innovation in Services and Business Processes. However, it highlights that the R&D agenda needs to be industry led and supported by the establishment of a national research capacity in the higher education sector.
I hope that industry and those currently charged with shaping the future direction of the higher education landscape have taken notice.
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