Welcome to the Research & Development and Innovation Section of the Economic Development Policy Website
For further information on any of the areas detailed , please contact innovationpolicyunit@detini.gov.uk
2013 NI Action Plan for Horizon 2020
2013 Action Plan for Horizon 2020
for further information please contact Simon Grattan NI Horizon 2020 Manager
Simon.Grattan@detini.gov.uk
Smart Specialisation for Northern Ireland
What is Smart Specialisation?
Smart Specialisation, or RIS3 as it is commonly known, is the culmination of years of research and European best practice for methods of regional economic transformation which focus on;
- Research, Development and Innovation
- key regional priorities
- Regional strengths
- Private sector development
- Stakeholder involvement
- Monitoring and evaluation
Why Smart Specialisation?
The European Commission is placing a high priority on innovation within Europe. Future European Commission structural funding (ERDF) will require regional Smart Specialisation Frameworks to be in place. In addition, future, competitive funding for research, development and innovation (Horizon 2020) can be aligned more effectively with Northern Ireland priorities. It is an opportunity for Northern Ireland to focus research and innovation on many of its regional strengths to ultimately boost exports and economic growth.
Please see the Smart Specialisation Framework for Northern Ireland web page:
For more information contact Michael.lilley@detini.gov.uk
MATRIX
The Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel.
MATRIX, the Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel, was born out of the Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS) for Northern Ireland. It was tasked in February 2007 with bringing forward-focused advice on the future policies necessary for NI to ensure economic growth and wealth creation through greater commercial exploitation of its science and technology capabilities. The first MATRIX report, and its overarching Horizon Panel reports, were launched by the DETI Minister on 8th October 2008. A link to the MATRIX website, which includes the report and newsletters, is provided below.
Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS)
"think|create|innovate: The Regional Innovation Strategy for Northern Ireland" (RIS) was published in June 2003 and reviewed in July 2006 to provide a coordinated and consensual framework for the creation of a globally competitive, innovation-driven regional economy in Northern Ireland. Think/Create/Innovate put in place four key priorities and eight related action areas to assist the development and maintenance of a world-class innovation system.
Think/Create/Innovate, the Regional Innovation Strategy (including first Action Plan)
Regional Innovation Strategic Action Plan 2004-2006
Regional Innovation Strategic Action Plan 2008 - 2011
The third action plan arising from the RIS for the period 2008-2011 was published in April 2008. This Action Plan contains four key imperatives and 102 actions within which the 22 stakeholders, from industry, academia and government, report.
Regional Innovation Strategic Action Plan 2008 - 2011
Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP)
Northern Ireland Science Park Foundation Limited ('NISP') was established in March 1999 by Government (DETI), Queen's University Belfast and the University of Ulster, to create a self sustaining, internationally recognised knowledge-based Science Park in Northern Ireland offering a commercial and research driven centre for knowledge-based industries.
The Northern Ireland Science Park's website can be accessed using the link below
For further information on any of the areas detailed , please contact innovationpolicyunit@detini.gov.uk







