Matrix - Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel

Advanced Materials Horizon Panel

ADVANCED MATERIALS HORIZON PANEL

In the face of globalisation, and right across the developed economies of the world, the Advanced Materials sector – relating to the composition, structure and properties of materials and their specific applications - is taking a lead importance as the key enabler of future commercial and economic success. This sector is at the forefront of cutting edge technological innovation, arguably more than any other, and for Northern Ireland the successful exploitation of our world class expertise in the Advanced Materials sector will underpin future product development and innovation in practically every other sector.

Capability in Advanced Materials, therefore, is a prerequisite of the future economic growth of Northern Ireland as a knowledge economy, and it is increasingly evident that Advanced Materials is a real strength sector for Northern Ireland. Across our business and academic communities we have quite considerable world class Advanced Materials R&D, ranging from emerging nanotechnologies to the development and application of composites, polymers, ceramics and many others. There are more than 50 firms directly engaged in the Advanced Materials sector, employing more than 7,000 people in what many consider the highest of value added employment, and these firms are already turning over in excess of £850 million per annum. This is, without question, a major strength for a region as small as this one.

Together with my panel colleagues I plan to ensure that Northern Ireland is well placed to grasp the opportunities coming out of Advanced Materials. We really do have a clear opportunity to become world leaders in the commercialisation of our unique and distinctive strengths in this sector, building on the capabilities which are already evident. I therefore look forward to working with my colleagues to develop the recommendations for MATRIX which will set the context for future commercial success across not only the Advanced Materials, but all the main sectors of the Northern Ireland economy.