Robin Newton MBE MLA

EAST Belfast DUP MLA Robin Newton has said that the newly-published Independent Review of Economic Policy has highlighted the need to promote Research and Development, and Innovation as the cornerstones of economic development in Northern Ireland, if local businesses are to prosper in the global marketplaces of the future.

Robin Newton said,

“The Regional Innovation Strategy has been implemented for over one year, and already has been successful in raising the innovation capabilities of local businesses, universities and government departments.

However, there is much work to do. New ideas and products drive businesses forward but they must have the support from government when required.

The past record of Invest NI has been questioned and there are points of criticism which are difficult to argue against.

However, every business that has chosen to locate in Northern Ireland should be welcomed and encouraged. 

The question now is how we move forward. The past is there to be learned from, and the foundations are being led to ensure innovation-led enterprise is the centrepiece of both our indigenous and inward investment sectors of the future.”