DETI's goal is "to grow a dynamic, innovative economy"
The Department plays a crucial role in formulating and delivering economic development policy in terms of Enterprise, Social Economy, Innovation, Energy, Telecoms, and Tourism in Northern Ireland. In addition, the Department has responsibility for ensuring a modern regulatory framework to support business and protect consumers.
Service Delivery
DETI sponsors a number of agencies, established as Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs). These have a key role in terms of implementing and delivering the Executive's and the Department's economic development policy. The Department also acts as co-sponsor to two organisations set up under the Belfast Agreement - InterTradeIreland (ITI) and Tourism Ireland Limited (TIL).
Non Departmental Public Bodies
Invest NI is responsible for the delivery of the Department's policies and strategies in relation to business support in Northern Ireland. These include encouraging investment (foreign and indigenous); stimulating entrepreneurial activity; increasing exports and trade; promoting R&D/innovation; and providing development support. InterTradeIreland, working with Invest NI and its counterparts in the Republic of Ireland, also plays an important role as a facilitator of all-island competitiveness.
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is responsible for the development, promotion and marketing of Northern Ireland, in the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland, as a tourist destination. In doing so, it works closely with Tourism Ireland Ltd which is responsible for marketing the island of Ireland in Great Britain and overseas.
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland is responsible for the promotion and enforcement of health and safety at work, endeavouring to reduce the incidents of, and costs associated with, work-related injuries and ill-health.
The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland promotes and safeguards the interests of consumers in Northern Ireland and delivers consumer education, skills and information. In doing so, it strives to ensure that consumer issues are taken into account in the development and implementation of policy.
Other Bodies
In addition, DETI has been the primary funder of the Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP) and along with the Department for Regional Development and the Department of Finance and Personnel works closely with the independent Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (NIAUR) in the development and regulation of the electricity and gas industry.
Corporate Governance
Corporate governance in DETI is delivered through a Departmental Management Board. The Board meets four times a year and is chaired by the Permanent Secretary and comprises the two Deputy Secretaries, the Heads of Divisions and an Independent Board Member who is not a civil servant. Additionally there is a Departmental Audit Committee which is chaired by the Independent Board Member and reports to the Departmental Board.
For more information on DETI, its Non-Departmental Public Bodies and its sponsor bodies click on the relevant link below:
Top Management Org Chart & key functions
DETI's Non Departmental Public Bodies organisation chart
