The Research Agenda outlines the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s (DETI) priority areas for research over the next three years.
It has been developed to strengthen the evidence base to build on the actions outlined in the Programme for Government and DETI’s Corporate Plan.
The minister said: “The department’s development of policy is an ongoing process and maintaining a high level of research activity is a vital component of this.
“With the economy being the top priority in the Programme for Government, DETI’s commitment to research, particularly with its focus on learning from other successful small open economies, will be important to inform ongoing policy development.”
The department is inviting research proposals from interested parties for 2008/09 which will assist DETI in developing policy across its priority areas. These priorities include improving private sector productivity (within manufacturing and private services), increasing employment and the contribution tourism makes to the regional economy.
The minister is encouraging the research community in Northern Ireland, and further afield, to play an active role in the development of DETI’s research agenda.
Mrs Foster said: “The department looks forward to receiving a full and varied response to its call for research proposals. Quality research and the findings that flow from this, will help tailor policy interventions to where they matter most.”
Notes to Editors:
- The Research Agenda is available at the Department for Enterprise, Trade, and Investment website
- Research proposals should be submitted by completing an Expression of Interest questionnaire which is available at www.statistics.detini.gov.uk
- The deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest questionnaires, which should be emailed to economics@detini.gov.uk is 17.00 hrs on 15th August 2008.
- For media enquiries, please contact DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9297. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
