MATRIX: Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel, is a panel of business and academic experts, launched in February 2007 by Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) with a remit to give advice to the Northern Ireland government on the commercial exploitation of R&D and science and technology.
The panel represents the voice of Northern Ireland's high tech industry and champions the role of science and technology as a key driver of economic growth in Northern Ireland. By working with industry and academia, the panel can identify new high technology market opportunities, IP and technologies for Northern Ireland companies to exploit and benefit from.
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. MATRIX identifies key areas of science, technology and innovation in which Northern Ireland has a lead over competitors, and advises on the policy required to exploit these strengths and deliver economic success. MATRIX 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 launched its first report to more than 250 Northern Irish business leaders and academics. During the event they presented the recommendations outlined in the report and details on how to implement them. Currently, MATRIX is discussing its findings with local academics and business leaders.
MATRIX comprises 14 experts from business and academia and its current Chair is Dr Bryan Keating.
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:
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 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. The Horizon Panels have identified strategic market opportunities in the following key sectors:
Two further reports have been produced:
In 2013 a report on Sustainable Energy Technologies will be published.