Helena LenihanView profile
Professor
Helena Lenihan is a Full Professor of Economics at the Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick. Her research focuses on the Economics of Innovation , R&D subsidies and tax incentives , Innovation Policy , and Industrial Policy . She has led a major SFI-funded research project (2008–2024) evaluating science policy impacts on firm performance and mentored a team of researchers, PhD students, and assistants. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals and spans areas like Green/Eco Innovation , Policy Evaluation , and Innovation and Human Capital . She has published in top journals such as Research Policy , Small Business Economics , and Industry and Innovation . Scientific Awards and Recognition: National Excellence in Teaching Award (NAIRTL) UL Excellence in Teaching Award (twice) Helena actively engages with policymakers, advising agencies like Enterprise Ireland and the UK’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. She chairs UL’s Research Impact Committee and is a Research Associate at the UK’s Enterprise Research Centre.