Research collaborations with industry have pushed the number of patents filed to its highest level in five years.

A survey entitled Value for Money Review of Science Foundation Ireland report, commissioned by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, shows that 60 patents were filed in 2006 a total of 163 since 2001.

The report also cites IDA Ireland's view that SFI funding has acted as a strong selling point for IDA target companies visiting Ireland.