Pearson challenges everyone to 'think, create, innovate'

Economy Minister, Ian Pearson has called on local innovators and entrepreneurs to meet the challenges of aiding a modern economy as he launched the consultation process on a new Regional Innovation Strategy for Northern Ireland.

Entitled ‘think, create, innovate’ the draft Strategy identifies a series of actions to build on Northern Ireland’s R&D and innovation strengths and address its weaknesses, ensure that there is a joined up approach to a subject and provide a strategic framework for action by all the key stakeholders – government, academia and the private sector.

Speaking at a breakfast meeting of the Business Alliance in Belfast, the Minister said: “I hope that in this draft document you will clearly see that the commitment to make the required changes comes from the highest level and is enthusiastically backed by all parts of Government.

"With our strengths in science, innovation, creativity and design there is every reason to believe that through a dynamic partnership between Government and the private and academic sectors, Northern Ireland can make further strides towards becoming a world-class regional economy."

Mr Pearson said that the ‘think, create, innovate’ document was not a blueprint and it needed local input, not just now during the consultation process but most importantly when it comes to implementation.

He concluded: “Innovation is the means by which we get the future we want, not the future that is forced upon us. It is only through innovation, creativity, by developing a culture of entrepreneurship, and by maximising the commercial potential of our scientific and technological excellence that Northern Ireland can hope to reach its full economic potential in the global marketplace of tomorrow."

(MB)