STIMULATING RESEARCH & INNOVATION Besides being a sector in its own right, ICT is a horizontal enabler for R&I. There needs to be continued investment in both ICT infrastructures, and innovation using ICT, as identified in the National R&I Strategy 2020. The two lines of investment are mutually reinforcing, as investment in ICT infrastructure and human capital provides the way for ICT-based innovation. 24. Harnessing international R&I funding Local ICT companies need to take advantage of pan-European and international R&I funding frameworks and industrial development funding opportunities. To help in this, government will: Provide logistical and brokerage support. Offer incentives to companies to invest time and human resources researching and developing innovative products, processes, and services and new marketing methods. 25. Open innovation Government will set up a multi-stakeholder Innovation Centre to offer incentives for ICT-themed R&D, idea-generation, incubation and innovation with a view towards co-creation and open innovation. Its purpose will be to: Create an environment to enable open collaboration by enterprises, academic institutions and public bodies wishing to engage in R&I activities, particularly projects requiring testing and validation in reallife settings. Attract multi-national enterprises, contributing different technological platforms and expertise. Provide mentorship, specialised training and an alternative ICT incubation facility for young entrepreneurs, students and startups wishing to test and demonstrate their innovations in a live environment. Serve as a networking hub and a show-case of locally developed talent and products. National Digital Strategy 2014 – 2020 37