nnovation can be defined as creating value from knowledge. While we don’t often put a monetary value on it, it has long being acknowledged that knowledge of history, archaeology, literature, music and philosophy, all provide value individually and collectively. The contribution of the arts and humanities to our social development is important and of value in of itself to people’s well being and to the development of social capital.

Knowing who we are and where we come from, our heritage, history and our culture all contribute to our sense of self and to our life satisfaction.

Opening the conference Professor Peter Clinch, UCD Vice-President for Innovation said,

“There are significant economic impacts which can be achieved through the creation of cultural capital in areas such as heritage tourism, the value of Ireland’s ‘brand’, the acknowledged contribution of our cultural brand to the value of Irish products and services, the digital humanities and opportunities in small and large industry. And perhaps the most exciting opportunities from an economic point of view are in the convergence of knowledge from the humanities, the social sciences, engineering and science.”

He added, “At University College Dublin, the arts, humanities and social sciences are equally important to the innovation mission of the University alongside science and engineering. We must enable students and staff to participate in innovation activities, help them to create value from their knowledge and to bring ideas to fruition whether commercial or in a more intangible way.”

He concluded, “Today’s conference is an important contribution to creating value from Ireland’s expertise in the humanities and I would like to congratulate everyone involved in organising such a productive day.”

Topics covered during the conference included:

• Sustainable finance for (humanities) start-ups, Stuart McLaughlin, CEO, Business to Arts
• UCD Innovation supports, Dr Ciara Leonard, UCD Innovation
• Humanities and industry: collaboration and transition, Brian Donovan Director, Eneclann Ltd
• Establishing trust; the road to incorporation and the National Folklore Collection, Dr Kelly Fitzgerald, Sruth/ Irish Folklore Commission
• Monastic Ireland, Dr Niamh NicGhabhann, UCD Mícheál Ó Cléirigh Institute for the Study of Irish History and Civilisation
• Digital humanities in action: learning about learning with the Fota and Strokestown learning zones, Dr Danielle O’Donovan and Jennifer McCrea
• Heritage and culture: An engine for tourism growth in Ireland?, Aidan Pender, Director of Strategic Development, Fáilte Ireland
• The challenges of knowledge transfer, Dr Marc Caball, UCD Humanities Institute of Ireland.

A round-table discussion also took place with Dr Marisa Ronan, Dublintellectual and Dr Paul Rouse, UCD School of History and Archives, which was chaired by Dr Marc Caball.

nnovation can be defined as creating value from knowledge. While we don’t often put a monetary value on it, it has long being acknowledged that knowledge of history, archaeology, literature, music and philosophy, all provide value individually and collectively. The contribution of the arts and humanities to our social development is important and of value in of itself to people’s well being and to the development of social capital.

Knowing who we are and where we come from, our heritage, history and our culture all contribute to our sense of self and to our life satisfaction.

Opening the conference Professor Peter Clinch, UCD Vice-President for Innovation said,

“There are significant economic impacts which can be achieved through the creation of cultural capital in areas such as heritage tourism, the value of Ireland’s ‘brand’, the acknowledged contribution of our cultural brand to the value of Irish products and services, the digital humanities and opportunities in small and large industry. And perhaps the most exciting opportunities from an economic point of view are in the convergence of knowledge from the humanities, the social sciences, engineering and science.”

He added, “At University College Dublin, the arts, humanities and social sciences are equally important to the innovation mission of the University alongside science and engineering. We must enable students and staff to participate in innovation activities, help them to create value from their knowledge and to bring ideas to fruition whether commercial or in a more intangible way.”

He concluded, “Today’s conference is an important contribution to creating value from Ireland’s expertise in the humanities and I would like to congratulate everyone involved in organising such a productive day.”

Topics covered during the conference included:

• Sustainable finance for (humanities) start-ups, Stuart McLaughlin, CEO, Business to Arts
• UCD Innovation supports, Dr Ciara Leonard, UCD Innovation
• Humanities and industry: collaboration and transition, Brian Donovan Director, Eneclann Ltd
• Establishing trust; the road to incorporation and the National Folklore Collection, Dr Kelly Fitzgerald, Sruth/ Irish Folklore Commission
• Monastic Ireland, Dr Niamh NicGhabhann, UCD Mícheál Ó Cléirigh Institute for the Study of Irish History and Civilisation
• Digital humanities in action: learning about learning with the Fota and Strokestown learning zones, Dr Danielle O’Donovan and Jennifer McCrea
• Heritage and culture: An engine for tourism growth in Ireland?, Aidan Pender, Director of Strategic Development, Fáilte Ireland
• The challenges of knowledge transfer, Dr Marc Caball, UCD Humanities Institute of Ireland.

A round-table discussion also took place with Dr Marisa Ronan, Dublintellectual and Dr Paul Rouse, UCD School of History and Archives, which was chaired by Dr Marc Caball.