The Green Innovation and Future Technologies (GIFT) project is collaboration between the Schools of Business and Schools of Science at Waterford Institute of Technology, University College Dublin and Bangor University, Wales. The project is part funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the INTERREG 4A Ireland Wales programme 2007-2013. Over a three year period the GIFT project will support the up-skilling of over 100 SME’s from South and East Ireland and West Wales in order to advance the transition to a green economy. The GIFT network comprises higher educational institutes, businesses, community development groups and support agencies in a variety of key sectors including green tourism, green technology and waste management. Key elements of the GIFT project include:
- Networking...through regular face to face events and on-line discussion forums;
- Training...Free Continuous Professional Development courses to assist business development in the green economy;
- Level 9 Masters programmes... MSc Business, Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship;
- Projects and case studies- Collaborate with HEIs to research a green business development opportunity and share experience and best practice through green business case studies.