One of the main driving forces of economic growth and the implementation of the concept of sustainable development for most countries of the world is the development and implementation of innovative technologies. The article analyzes the foreign experience of public administration of research, development and technological works (R&D) by the example of Ireland. The characteristic features of the functioning of the R&D as one of the priority directions of the national development strategy are revealed. The model of public administration of Ireland, which creates the basis for the construction of its innovation system, is considered. Promising areas that should be given priority attention in the framework of the development and implementation of innovations in the coming years are noted. The role of results in the field of R&D within the socio-economic concept of sustainable development is revealed.