This chapter highlights how shifts in policy within Ireland toward increased global rankings and quality of educational programs and a heightened interest in research have been operationalized on the ground. The Higher Education Authority initiated a Programme for Research in Third-Level Institutions (PRTLI) to provide seed money for research innovation. The research reported here provides an overview of the funding program and showcases five of the funded programs, highlighting how these research collaborations have aided in reaching the goals set in Ireland. Lessons learned include the influential role of the external context, including the Bologna Process and involvement in the European Union (EU), and the unintended impact of pitting institutions against one another. Role transitions from competitor to collaborator were not instantaneous or always long lasting. The role of the champion of the partnership was heightened given the size of the country. Finally, structural features of the funding process worked against sustainability for the partners. Lessons from this research are apparent for partners, faculty members, and policy makers.