Invest Northern Ireland: A new vision for economic transformation
Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) is the region’s economic development agency, instrumental in driving a balanced, sustainable, productive, and prosperous Northern Ireland economy through unlocking the potential of businesses across the region.
Its mission is to work with businesses to accelerate their growth by increasing external sales and innovation, creating good quality jobs, boosting productivity and skills, growing inward investment and reducing carbon emissions.
Its recently published three-year Business Strategy 2024-2027, ‘Our Future in Focus’, aligns with the Northern Ireland Executive’s Programme for Government and reflects the organisation’s transformation following an independent review.
The strategy drives the implementation of the Minister for the Economy’s Economic Vision and serves as an ambitious roadmap for the sustainable future Invest NI envisages for Northern Ireland and its economy through six strategic priorities:
- accelerating innovation and skills;
- boosting business investment;
- developing and achieving sustainability;
- driving global ambition;
- maximising city and growth deals impact; and
- promoting places and partnerships.
By addressing immediate economic challenges and outlining a path for long-term success, Invest NI aims to ensure that businesses across the region are equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Central to the strategy is a new client engagement model designed to simplify access to Invest NI’s services. This approach is designed to support the organisation to reach more companies than before, while allowing the organisation to provide tailored support to businesses of all sizes, particularly micro and small enterprises, ensuring they can navigate resources and achieve sustainable growth.
Invest NI’s focus on regional balance includes an expansion of its regional footprint and the implementation of a Regional Property Programme, which aims to create an environment where all parts of Northern Ireland can flourish economically.
Innovation and sustainability form key pillars of Invest NI’s new approach. The agency is committed to driving research and development, fostering green technologies, and supporting businesses in implementing Sustainable Development Plans as part of its overarching goal to contribute to net-zero carbon targets. By 2027, Invest NI aims to position Northern Ireland as a leader in the green economy, underpinned by substantial investments in innovation and sustainable infrastructure.
Collaboration remains a cornerstone of Invest NI’s strategy. The organisation works closely with government departments, local councils, business and industry bodies, academia, and other key stakeholders to align resources effectively, address challenges and unlock new opportunities. Through initiatives such as the City and Growth Deals, representing a £1.3 billion investment across Northern Ireland, Invest NI ensures that regional and sectoral growth is both impactful and sustainable. These deals focus heavily on fostering innovation and driving digital transformation, creating a solid foundation for future economic growth.
Northern Ireland’s unique position as the only region with tariff-free access to both GB and EU markets offers a significant competitive advantage. Invest NI is leveraging this position to attract foreign direct investment, drive exports, and promote Northern Ireland as a premier location for global business.
“Our Future in Focus” is more than a strategy, it is a commitment to transforming the economic landscape of Northern Ireland. Through a relentless focus on delivery and partnerships, Invest NI is shaping a more prosperous economy that benefits all.
Visit www.investni.com/business-strategy-2024-2027 for further information.
