Richard Barnet's recommendations for a new innovation strategy for Invest NI...

[Mick Fealty]

The IREP reported yesterday with a wide rang of recommendations on the restructuring of the activities of INvest NI (you can get the gist of those recommendations here on Slugger).

It looks to me to be a call for a severe shake up in the way INI goes about it's business, with a call for renewed emphasis on Innovation and R&D. It suggests the following guides for the development of a new strategy:

– A new institution for commercially-oriented research should be explored in NI, along the lines pioneered by the successful VTT institute in Finland. The institution should be outside the University system and not subject to the constraints of the Research Excellence Framework (REF). It is envisaged that this would incorporate a number of existing near market research organisations in NI and would be charged with reviewing and taking forward the MATRIX agenda

– Additional research in Universities and public sector bodies should be aligned closely with the needs of industry in NI and potential inward investors to NI. Furthermore, the development of specific new research capabilities should be used as an incentive to attract potential investors

– Industry-led Innovation communities, as suggested in the MATRIX report, should be developed as a pilot to bring together business, academia and Government and exploit available market opportunities

– More should be done to support Innovation in service sector firms beyond software, which we believe is well served. The concept of Innovation in the service sector should include the broad range of areas outlined in the definition of Innovation (presented in Chapter 5)

Any thoughts?

[Joanne Stuart]

The full report is now available for download here. Arlene Foster, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment launched a consultation on the report earlier this week. In the past, we have critisised government for the length of time it takes to implement recomendations and it appears that the Minister has taken this on board as the length of the consultation period has been reduced to six weeks. Final submissions are due by 16th November.

The IoD, along with the other members of the Business Alliance will be submnitting a response, and we are interested to hear your views.

Post your comments on the report.

[Michael Murray]

There is a lot in this report over 260 pages - see Business Alliance press relaese.
Leading Business Bodies welcome Review of Economic Policy
Responding to the publication of the Independent Review of Economic Policy the Business Alliance (representing CBI, Centre for Competitiveness, Institute of Directors and the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce) have issued the following statement.
The Business Alliance welcomes the publication of the IREP report. This is a substantive report, backed up by extensive analysis and with numerous recommendations – the report deserves considered analysis and discussion.
Having assessed the Executive Summary of the review there is much of the report with which the Business Alliance agrees:
- a greater focus on R&D and innovation, a more ambitious and dedicated focus on exporting, and a greater focus on integrating SMEs into supply chains
- a streamlining of Invest NI support programmes, combined with providing Invest NI with greater operational freedom and the development of a more entrepreneurial culture and enterprising approach
- support for DETI taking a leading role in the development of economic policy, combined with various proposals to improve governance arrangements, including the proposed merger of DEL and DETI
- realigning the education system to meet the anticipated demands for higher skills within the economy, especially STEM related
- the planning system to be more responsive with faster processing times in line with competitor regions
- a greater economic focus in the next Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland

There are also a number of ideas and recommendations which we need to assess in more detail. This includes:
- the consideration of the development of a new institution for commercially-orientated research
- the recommendation that Invest NI should reduce its support for company training, though we understand training for innovation related skills will remain a key priority
- careful consideration must be made of the proposal to phase out all grants to business which do not relate to R&D and innovation by 2013 – we need to ensure Northern Ireland can offer an attractive financial support package within EU limitations to both retain and attract international investment, particularly as we emerge slowly from recession
Brian Ambrose, CBI Northern Ireland chairman said “CBI members will be keen to discuss this report in the weeks ahead and we will be liaising further with colleagues in the Business Alliance, prior to making a further statement. We hope the Enterprise Minister and Executive will take time to consider the report and commit to action before the end of the year.”
Joanne Stuart, Institute of Directors Chairman said “The report contains bold and decisive recommendations to improve Northern Ireland’s economic performance. It looks beyond the current economic turmoil and sets out a compelling case for significantly enhancing our investment in innovation and R&D.”
Bro McFerran, President of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce said “Business will welcome the proposals to create a more entrepreneurial Invest NI with greater autonomy and flexibility to deliver programmes in a responsive manner. Northern Ireland’s future depends on our agility and responsiveness to opportunities. I particularly welcome the recognition of the need to professionalise and enhance support for exporting.”
Alan Patterson, Board member of the Centre for Competitiveness, said “I welcome the intention to create a more outcome focused and responsive development agency. This can only be achieved through politicians giving Invest NI greater freedom and encouraging more risk taking.”