The economy of Northern Ireland south west region must be able to compete in a world market driven by knowledge, entrepreneurship and innovation, a panel of industry leaders will tell a conference in Enniskillen today (Friday).
The region’s first International and Economic Development Conference will outline how individuals and organisations can boost growth and create new jobs by harnessing technologies and building new skills. It takes place as world leaders prepare to descend on the south west for the 2013 G8 Summit.
Organised by South West College, in association with the Confederation of British Industry, Omagh Enterprise Company and Invest NI, the event will hear from speakers, including economist Neil Gibson; Andrew Brammer from law firm Allen & Overy and Prof Sa’ad Medhat from the New Engineering Foundation.
Speaking ahead of the event, Malachy McAleer, South West College director, said: “The South West region has much to be proud of and the potential to become an industrial powerhouse that can excel against the best in the world.
“To secure that position, we need to look at how we can better embed technology and knowledge as the main building blocks of an internationally-focused economy. If we are to compete in the 21st century we must combine our market and technology know-how with a highly-skilled local workforce.
“This conference is about promoting in-depth engagement with business and economic professionals and creating a space for discussion on crucial international development issues.”
Alastair Hamilton, chief executive officer of Invest NI said: “The partnership between Invest NI, CBI, South West College and others in putting such an impressive programme in place is an excellent example of government, business and academia working together to lay a platform for long term economic growth.
“Many of our targets flow from the Programme for Government which has innovation, entrepreneurship and internationalisation at its core – the very themes which the conference will explore.
“I am confident that it will provide thought-provoking input to encourage businesses to look at skills development, exporting and international activity as a natural process in their evolution and make a valuable contribution towards Invest NI’s strategic vision of building an export focused region.”