Forfás is the national board responsible for providing policy advice to Government on enterprise, trade, science, technology and innovation in Ireland. Legal responsibility for the promotion and development of these sectors is vested by the State, through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, in Forfás.

Among Forfás‘ functions are:

• Research, analysis and policy advice on competitiveness and economic development, through the National Competitiveness Council and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs.

• The promotion of scientific research and innovation in close association with Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Council for Science, Technology and Innovation.

• Industrial policy development and co-ordination for State bodies such as IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.