Calls for NI to co-design UK’s Industrial Strategy

The NICC has submitted evidence to the Department for Business and Trade highlighting the region’s key growth sectors, advanced manufacturing, digital technology, life sciences, and clean energy. The submission repositions Northern Ireland not as a lagging region but as a potential catalyst for the UK’s modern industrial strategy, provided that governance gaps, underinvestment, and fragmented delivery mechanisms are addressed.

The submission stresses that these sectors already underpin the North West economy. Derry-Strabane has a strong advanced engineering base, a growing digital cluster, and emerging clean energy potential through renewable projects. Yet these assets remain under-leveraged due to skills shortages, water capacity limits, and weak infrastructure funding.

NI Chamber’s recommendations include embedding Northern Ireland within UK innovation schemes, prioritising grid and water investment, and tailoring skills pipelines to local employer needs. This approach was reflected in findings from our Board Strategy Day and the North West’s readiness to anchor an Enhanced Investment Zone focused on technology, manufacturing, and sustainability.

For members, this signals new avenues for collaboration, investment, and talent development. The Chamber will continue to press for delivery on Magee University expansion, enhanced energy infrastructure, and planning reform measures essential to unlocking the city region’s next phase of private sector growth.

Northern Ireland cannot be an afterthought in the UK’s growth strategy and within Northern Ireland, the North West must not be an afterthought in its delivery.

Read the full NI Chamber submission here.