The taskforce on innovation in Ireland that was established by Taoiseach Brian Cowen in June 2009, is reported to have projected that almost 120,000 new jobs could be created by the end of the decade, if Ireland transforms itself into an innovation centre, according to a report to be published on Thursday. However, a reality check is necessary as this body is dominated by insiders, who have form in plucking jobs figures from the air to justify spending by receptive politicians. Meanwhile, Bart Clarysse, professor of Entrepreneurship, at Imperial College London, said in 2009 that in the UK there are over 2,900 of high-tech companies that have been in business since 1991. Despite spending over £2.5 billion, they are responsible for only 40,000 jobs.