RTI Unit General Information

The Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) Unit is a joint unit of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces; collectively known as the Defence Organisation. It is staffed by members of the Defence Forces and Department of Defence.

The RTI Unit was formed in 2021 following the recommendations of Feasibility Study: Establishment of a Research, Technology and Innovation Capability for the Defence Organisation. 

The Unit is guided by the RTI Unit Strategy 2023 - 2025.

• Mission: Strengthen Ireland's Defence capability and derive wider societal benefit by enhancing innovation capacity in Defence and developing a robust innovation ecosystem across Defence, Government, industry and academia.
• Vision: The Defence RTI Unit, for the benefit of Ireland's Defence capability, will be the best and most successful promotor and enabler of innovation in Ireland's public sector.
• Governance: The RTI Unit deliver's its mission through robust structures and processes, the right resourcing and a responsible risk management approach to innovation.

RTI Unit Strategic Priorities (2023 – 2025)

• Priority 1 – Defence Innovation Ecosystem
  Develop progressive partnerships within Defence and across Government, European Institutions, academia, industry and start-up communities.
• Priority 2 – Innovation Acceleration
  Putting end-users at the centre of innovation, provide opportunities to enhance how they deliver Defence capability.
• Priority 3 – Innovation Capacity
  Develop a culture and systems where all Defence  personnel are inspired, empowered and enabled to innovate.
• Priority 4 – Transformative Innovation
  Drive innovation across Defence by pioneering change and long-term transformation.