Economic Research and Evaluation Agenda 2005-2008
GARDINER LAUNCHES DETI'S NEW RESEARCH AGENDA Enterprise Minister, Barry Gardiner MP, today launched the DETI Research and Evaluation Agenda, which outlines the work to be undertaken over the next three years by the Department and its Agencies. Mr Gardiner said: "As we move forward to deliver against not only the Economic Vision for NI, but also the commitments which DETI will be making as part of its forthcoming Corporate Plan, it is important we do so with the best quality and most up-to-date information we can get. It is essential we have a clear understanding of the Northern Ireland economy and the challenges it faces, in both national and global terms." The planned work is categorised into five areas: Competitiveness (including productivity); Innovation / Research and Development; Enterprise; Skills and Labour Market plus Infrastructure and Investment. It will be carried out by DETI in conjunction with other Government departments and a numbr of the economic and social partners. The Minister continued: "This is a challenging agenda and recognises that there are a number of areas where there are gaps in our knowledge. It is built around the key drivers of economic growth and reaffirms DETI's commitment to evidence based policy formulation. Delivery of the individual research projects over the next three years will ensure that the Department continues to build on its ability to develop policy that is an appropriate response to the challenges faced by the NI economy." Mr Gardiner concluded by encouraging the research community, both academics and consultants, to play a role in delivering the agenda by responding positively to procurement opportunities: "Quality research and the challenging recommendations which flow from it are what help make good policy and will make a difference for the future of the Northern Ireland economy." NOTES TO EDITORS: THE Research and Evaluation Agenda is a 3 year programme of work which will start in April 2005.
