Matrix - Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel

MATRIX, the NI Science Industry Panel, put forward an ambitious plan of action on Wednesday which it says could position Northern Ireland among the world's most successful high-tech economies.

Its recommendations are the result of the largest collaborative work of high-tech industry leaders and academic experts ever assembled in Northern Ireland.

MATRIX, which brought together more than 80 of the biggest names in local business, including Bombardier Aerospace, Randox, DuPont, Almac and Moy Park among many others, said its proposals would exploit the region's strong science and technology base and kick-start an exciting new era of enterprise and innovation.

They include a recommendation to set up industry-led communities engaging business, academia and government and directly aimed at capturing emerging market opportunities.

Crucially, MATRIX believes that by establishing these new industry-led 'communities', targeted research and business insight will allow companies in Northern Ireland to effectively utilise their skills and ideas for maximum commercial gain.

MATRIX identified five key areas to make the region's technology and innovation buoyant - ICT, Advanced Engineering (Transport), Agri-food, Advanced Materials and Life & Health Sciences. Each sector was represented by a separate 'HORIZON' panel of industry experts.

"The contribution made to this process by local companies is overwhelming. Their unprecedented involvement has made these recommendations directly relevant to the needs of the business community. They put industry in the driving seat.

We are proposing here a set of key steps towards a cultural shift that could lead to the creation of a world class knowledge-based economy. Innovation communities are central to this goal. The way we work together has to change. The way business collaborates with academia has to change. If approved, these communities will facilitate that change.

Northern Ireland is brimming with ideas, talent and skills. What we now need is the muscle of business and academia to take these recommendations forward and the foresight of government to facilitate them. It's time for all of us to put our foot on the accelerator and move on to the next phase. The MATRIX panel has proposed a number of recommendations that will kick-start, embrace and foster innovation in Northern Ireland, with business taking a leading role and academia providing the inspiration for innovative research.

MATRIX is confident that if these recommendations are implemented they will go a long way to ensuring that Northern Ireland's economy is healthy and wealthy for the decades to come. Our key objective is to encourage businesses to become more innovative and creative in order to compete in the global marketplace. These business-driven proposals meet that requirement."

The report was presented to Arlene Foster, Minister for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) in Belfast.

Bombardier Aerospace is pleased to be involved in the work of Matrix: Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel. It believes that the recommendations from the report will provide expertise and guidance on how Northern Ireland can compete globally.

"This report comes at an exciting time of change in Northern Ireland and offers the opportunity for both large and small companies to work together to tap into and develop the talent and science skills that will lead to maximum economic gain.

The contribution from companies from all sectors across Northern Ireland is unprecedented. Bombardier believes that this collaborative effort involving industry, government and academia must continue to ensure the future success of Northern Ireland's economy"

"As a technology and innovation-driven company based in Northern Ireland, we fully support MATRIX in its drive to foster and develop a strong knowledge-based economy and are impressed by the level of enthusiasm and motivation we have seen from the Panel. We look forward to working with MATRIX in the future and to play our part in helping Northern Ireland prospers its strong technology base as well as its intelligent and experienced workforce"

"It has been a delight to work with Matrix and contribute to a report which has so much to offer the local economy at this exciting time of growth and regeneration. The report's findings will not only advise local companies on how to use their strengths to commercial advantage but will also drive all companies, big or small, across the region to compete globally in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

We at the Wright Group are committed to Northern Ireland and look forward to working with MATRIX to ensure that our economy prospers so that we, as a region, can become a leading player on the global stage".

It is clear that Northern Ireland's potential to become an international centre of R&D, science and technology has not been realised. At Almac our work is internationally recognised and we are setting new standards for our industry. We are not the only company in Northern Ireland making advances at this level. We welcome the report submitted to the Minister today and hope that she will act to ensure that steps are taken to build a sustainable knowledge-based economy.

While the Minister's task is difficult, it is not insurmountable, and is all the more important given current economic conditions. By maximising our R&D opportunities internationally, we can ensure that our economy becomes strong and sustainable both in the medium and longer term.