Science, research and development are critical for economic development

Economy Minister, Nigel Dodds, met the MATRIX panel today, to discuss strengthening Northern Ireland’s economic advantage through Research and Development (R&D), science and technology.

At its fourth meeting “MATRIX – The Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel” Chairman, Professor Damien McDonnell and ten technology and business-led expert panel members discussed the work being undertaken by the five panels of the Horizon Programme.

Commenting on MATRIX’s work, the Minister, said: “The commercial exploitation of Northern Ireland’s world class science, technology and R&D base is critical to the future development of our knowledge economy.

“MATRIX is a reservoir of top-class expertise and it will increasingly become the forum for leadership and promotion of new approaches to profit from science.”

The Minister continued: “Professor McDonnell and his colleagues were approached to form MATRIX because of their extensive knowledge, experience in the field of exploiting science, technology and R&D. The panel’s advice and guidance will be of great value in developing future economic policy.”

Professor McDonnell, said: “We are liaising with key stakeholders in high-technology business, the academic sector and the education community across Northern Ireland to develop advice and guidance for Minister Dodds and the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment, which will support informed future policy development.

“My MATRIX colleagues and I share the Minister’s commitment to securing Northern Ireland’s future as a high-technology based regional economy and we look forward to bringing forward our first recommendations by the spring.”

MATRIX has commissioned a unique “Technologies Capabilities and Market Opportunities” mapping exercise for Northern Ireland. This wide-ranging study underpins the work of ‘MATRIX’ separate Horizon Programme, through which five expert technology and market foresight panels have been established. These panels will analyse future commercialisation opportunities in the key sectors of Agrifood, Transport, Information Communication Technology, Life & Health Sciences and Advanced Materials.

Notes to Editors:

1. MATRIX will report its findings to the DETI Minister in spring 2008.

2. Attending the meeting with the Minister were the Chairman of MATRIX, Professor Damien McDonnell, OBE, Colin Elliott, Vice-President Bombardier Aerospace; Professor Jim McLaughlin, Director ST&D Ltd & Professor Advanced Functional Materials, University of Ulster; Albert Sherrard, former CEO Tyco Ltd; Dr Clare Passmore, freelance Research Advisor; Dr Brian Keating, Invest NI board member; Ed Vernon, Invest NI board member; Mrs Rotha Johnston, Invest NI board member; Professor Bernie Hannigan, pro-Vice Chancellor Research & Innovation, University of Ulster; Professor John Mann, pro-Vice Chancellor Research & Development, Queen’s University Belfast; John D’Arcy, Chief Executive of the Association of NI Colleges (ANIC); and Frank Bryan, Chairman of the Economic Development Forum (EDF) Innovation Group.

3. The MATRIX concept was identified as the most suitable model for Northern Ireland following consultation with a range of key stakeholders including the business sector, the Higher and Further Education sector, other Northern Ireland Government Departments, and Invest NI. DETI also drew on the views and experiences of other UK regions regarding the establishment and running of Regional Science Industry Councils or equivalents.

4. Membership of MATRIX does not amount to a formal public appointment. Panel members are not salaried for their involvement, although – in line with practice established by other expert advisory panels in NI - fees and expenses incurred will be reimbursed and a small stipend will be made available for members to claim in recompense for business time given over to MATRIX commitments.

5. MATRIX is supported by a secretariat based within DETI and it has been financed under the Secretary of State’s Skills and Science Fund.

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