Matrix - Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel

MATRIX, The Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel, has welcomed the Government’s formal response to its first report, which was unveiled today by Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster. The Government Response set out four key actions: establishment of a "Government Innovation Gateway", the provision of streamlined government support to industry-led innovation communities, an enhanced role for Further Education working with industry, and a proactive use of public procurement to foster innovation.

In particular, the Panel acknowledged the strong focus on streamlining Government support for Industry-led Innovation Communities (IICs), which was MATRIX’ overarching recommendation. 

MATRIX believes that the agreement secured across Northern Ireland government departments and agencies to work together to facilitate new collaborative business models will make a major contribution to how we compete in global markets.

MATRIX Chair, Damien McDonnell, said on behalf of all MATRIX members:

"We welcome and endorse this Government Response to our first report. We recognise that this cross-governmental response represents a genuine refinement of support for collaborative business ventures. This will be of fundamental importance to the facilitation of new Industry-led Innovation Communities competing in global markets."

"We are encouraged by the actions set out by Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster today and welcome the emphasis given to providing flexible and streamlined support to Innovation Communities."

"In addition we welcome the recognition of the vital role of Further Education Colleges in support of our high technology business. We also welcome the commitment to a proactive use of public procurement to support innovative businesses."