MATRIX: Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel
MATRIX: Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel, is a business-led expert panel, launched in February 2007 by Department Of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) to advise government on the commercial exploitation of R&D and science and technology in Northern Ireland.
MATRIX’s focus is on the demand-led view of what is needed for Northern Ireland to maximise the commercial potential of research, development, science, and technology capabilities. Its goal is to identify areas that Northern Ireland has a lead over competitors, and foster policy which uses these strengths to lead to commercial success. It hopes to make Northern Ireland a leading region in science and technology in the face of increasing competition from countries such as India and China.
MATRIX's first event took place before and audience of over 250 Northern Irish business leaders and academics, where they gave their findings, and was followed by a report with details on how to implement them. Currently, MATRIX is discussing its findings with local academics and business leaders.
Horizon Panel
Horizon Panel is focused technology and market foresight initiative carried out by five panels of the MATRIX: Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel. The panels comprise major Northern Ireland high technology companies and academic experts in each of the following sectors:
- Advanced Engineering (Transport);
- Advanced Materials;
- Agrifood;
- ICT;
- Life & Health Sciences
Their proposals are presented as part of the main recommendations in the overarching MATRIX report and also as separate volumes in their own right. The Horizon Panels have identified strategic market opportunities over the next ten years in five key sectors:
- Agrifood;
- ICT ;
- Life & Health Sciences ;
- Advanced Engineering (Transport)
- Advanced Materials
The findings of the Horizon Panels are sectorally specific and contain recommendations directed at the five key sectors to build success over 2, 5 and 10 year time frames.