The Review Process (Chapter 2)
Background
2.1 A fundamental review of Northern Ireland ’s economic development strategy was announced on 29 January 1998 by the Minister, Adam Ingram MP.
Timing of Review
2.2 Northern Ireland must have economic development policies and programmes that will enable it to compete in a rapidly developing world. The pace of technological development is accelerating and its applications have widened to affect every aspect of economic life. In addition the way that industry throughout the world is organizing itself for greater competitiveness is growing in complexity. The Northern Ireland economy has performed well in recent years but significant problems remain to be overcome. We need an economic development strategy which will ensure that over the next 10 years, the economy can not only keep abreast of continuous changes but also anticipate them. We have to adopt the right direction and approaches now to achieve that outcome. In addition, the prospect of political and social stability brings opportunities from which we need to derive the maximum possible benefit. The review was conducted with the aim of informing the new Assembly and offering them recommendations on how a more vibrant, competitive and inclusive economy might be created.
Terms of Reference
2.3 The Terms of Reference for the review were as follows. It should:-
• encompass the entire economic context and set ambitious but attainable long term goals for the Northern Ireland economy in terms of wealth creation, employment and living standards;
• range widely, covering not only industrial development matters but other major factors such as education and infrastructure provision, to the extent to which they will influence the rate of Northern Ireland’s economic progress;
• have regard to the Government’s policies on sustainable development and equality of opportunity and to the public expenditure background;
• be linked as appropriate to a regional spatial development strategy;
• identify the major priorities for action by the Government, particularly DED and its agencies and the private sector, to create the conditions for meeting these goals;
• provide strong direction for DED and its agencies and the private sector; and
• be capable of adjustment in the light of future events.
Structure of the Review
2.4 In commissioning the strategy review the Minister emphasised how important it was to ensure that the public and private sectors worked together, in order to build consensus about the direction of the strategy and acceptance by all concerned of their own part in delivering it. The review was therefore taken forward in close partnership with the private sector. The extent and depth of involvement was unique in Northern Ireland with over 300 representatives from the private, public, voluntary and community sectors actively participating in the process.
2.5 The review process aimed to create widespread involvement of the key stakeholders in the economy in order to tap into a broad spectrum of opinion and expertise and also to ensure that the emerging strategy would command the assent and commitment of the private sector in particular. It also sought to mainstream economic development issues in other Government Departments which have a role in creating essential foundations for economic advance in areas such as education and infrastructure.
2.6 To achieve the aims of the review a structure (shown overleaf) was created comprising a Steering Group, Sector and Cross Sector Working Groups and a Consultation Panel. The membership of these various groups is shown in Annex A.
2.7 The Steering Group recognised that the views of the political parties and the Assembly would need to shape the emerging strategy, once the economic analysis and recommendations arising from the initial consultation phase had been developed.