Speaking at a key event led by the Northern Ireland Chamber, in partnership with Queen’s, the University’s President and Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, highlighted the critical role universities play in influencing the economic and social landscape of their localities.

The University’s bearing on the economy is substantial. With an estimated contribution of over £3 billion annually to Northern Ireland, an impressive 8:1 benefit:cost ratio for the UK economy, and one of the leading institutions in the UK for entrepreneurial impact, Queen’s plays a pivotal role in driving Northern Ireland forward.

Addressing Conference attendees in Liverpool, Sir Ian said:

“Attracting and retaining graduate talent in Northern Ireland is key to delivering on government plans to grow our economy through innovation and skills,” Professor Sir Ian Greer noted to conference attendees.

“We at Queen’s want to work with government and industry to ensure that lack of opportunity is not one of the drivers for our young people choosing to leave.”

Speaking from Liverpool NI Chamber Chief Executive, Suzanne Wylie, said:

“Northern Ireland is a region of the UK with a wealth of untapped economic potential, which can only be realised with the right policy interventions from both Westminster and Stormont.

“This event will focus on how we can maximise the region’s potential, especially in sectors like aerospace, advanced manufacturing and health & life sciences, among others.

“It is a significant and very high-profile opportunity, which we are using to present the government with new ideas and genuine solutions to the challenges facing businesses in Northern Ireland. This week, our focus is on partnership between elected representatives and the business community, developing a shared understanding of collective challenges and encouraging better coordination, collaboration and decision making in pursuit of economic growth.”

Northern Ireland faces a persistent challenge of graduate outflow, with around 5,000 students leaving the region each year to study in Great Britain, many of whom do not return.

Addressing this concern, the Vice Chancellor stressed the need for concerted efforts to retain this talent and ensure the region’s future growth and prosperity.

“Policy responses in England have placed a strong emphasis on addressing economic imbalances between North and South,” continued Sir Ian.

“Queen’s is creating new pathways to work strategically with government, public administration and industry to address policy challenges and offer evidence-based solutions that align with the needs of this region. Like Government, we want to see a stable, agile, and innovative business ecosystem in Northern Ireland.  We believe that many of the opportunities our young people seek can be provided here, if they want to take them.  We must provide them with that choice, alongside a compelling picture of a society that they can flourish in, that values them, and which they can contribute to in a positive manner.”

 

With a portfolio of 42 active spin-out companies employing more than 3,500 people and generating a combined annual turnover of approximately £500 million, the University’s success in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship exemplifies what can be achieved when local talent is given the resources and support it needs.

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