Launch of the Tierney Award by Industry Research & Development Group (IRDG)

Introduction to IRDG and the Tierney Award

The Industry Research & Development Group (IRDG), a nonprofit network representing hundreds of Irish companies engaged in research, development, and innovation, has introduced a new accolade named the Tierney Award. This award aims to recognise pioneers of innovation whose work aligns with transformative economic and societal impacts, directly supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10).

Background and Significance of the Tierney Award

The Tierney Award is named in honour of the Tierney family, whose dedication has significantly influenced IRDG since its inception in 1992. Dan Tierney, IRDG’s founder, first chairman, and longtime board member, along with his son Donal Tierney, the immediate past chair, exemplify the collaborative and forward-looking spirit that the IRDG network embodies. This spirit is essential to fostering sustainable innovation that contributes to the SDGs.

Objectives and Impact of the Tierney Award

The award is designed to honour trailblazing individuals who deliver transformative economic and societal impact through innovation. It highlights the critical role of innovation in achieving sustainable development by encouraging visionary leadership, persistence, and measurable outcomes that benefit society and the economy.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): The award promotes innovation as a driver for sustainable industrialisation and infrastructure development.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Recognises innovation that fosters inclusive and sustainable economic growth and productive employment.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Encourages diversity and inclusion within innovative teams to challenge norms and promote equitable opportunities.

Inaugural Recipient: Sean McNulty

Profile and Achievements

1. Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Sean McNulty, founder of Dolmen Design and Insight Innovate, is the first recipient of the Tierney Award. Since founding Dolmen Design in 1991, he has developed it into a multi-award-winning enterprise that transforms breakthrough ideas into market-ready products for global brands.
2. Contributions to Innovation Standards: McNulty has served as chair of the NSAI Innovation Management Committee and contributed significantly to the ISO 56000 series, which supports innovation management systems aligned with sustainable development principles.
3. Academic and Training Roles: He is an adjunct professor at DCU Business School and a trainer for BioInnovate, Research Ireland, and IRDG programmes, fostering innovation education and capacity building.

Remarks on Innovation and Sustainability

Dermot Casey, current CEO of IRDG, emphasized that “Innovation is more than fresh ideas—it is vision, persistence and measurable impact.” He highlighted that the Tierney Award celebrates individuals who successfully convert creativity into tangible results that advance sustainable development.

Acceptance Speech and Symbolism

Upon receiving the award, which included a commemorative plaque and a foundry bronze sculpture of an Irish hare, Sean McNulty remarked on the symbolism of the hare as a metaphor for innovation:

• Agility and Alertness: The hare represents the agility and alertness necessary for innovation.
• Customer and Risk Awareness: Its sharp ears symbolize the importance of listening to customers and understanding risks.
• Urgency and Speed: The hare’s speed reflects the urgency required in innovative organisations.
• Diversity and Inclusion: The hare also signifies diversity, highlighting that successful teams combine different skills and perspectives to challenge the status quo, supporting SDG 10.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article highlights innovation and entrepreneurship as drivers of economic growth and job creation, exemplified by Sean McNulty’s work with Dolmen Design.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The focus on research, development, and innovation (RDI) directly connects to SDG 9, promoting sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Sean McNulty’s role as an adjunct professor and trainer in various innovation programs relates to education and skills development.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The collaborative nature of IRDG and its network of companies and institutions reflects the importance of partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 8 Targets
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities and entrepreneurship.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including encouraging innovation.
   • Target 9.b: Support domestic technology development and research.
3. SDG 4 Targets
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of people with relevant skills for financial success, including technical and vocational skills.
4. SDG 17 Targets
   • Target 17.16: Enhance global partnerships for sustainable development.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Innovation Outputs and Impact
   • Number of market-ready products developed from breakthrough ideas (implied through Dolmen Design’s success).
   • Recognition and awards for innovation (e.g., Tierney Award) as a qualitative indicator of innovation impact.
2. Economic Performance Indicators
   • Growth of companies involved in innovation networks (implied by IRDG’s representation of hundreds of companies).
   • Employment generated through innovative enterprises.
3. Education and Skills Development
   • Number of individuals trained in innovation management and related programs (implied by Sean McNulty’s training roles).
4. Partnerships and Collaboration
   • Extent and effectiveness of collaboration within networks like IRDG (implied by the collaborative spirit emphasized).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: businessplus.ie