Higher education research and development and knowledge transfer
2 April 2007
The Department for Employment and Learning has published a research report entitled Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) and Knowledge Transfer in Northern Ireland.
This report, which is part of the Research Agenda 2004-2007, draws together information on the role of HERD and knowledge transfer activity in Northern Ireland. It also compares the resourcing of these activities to other regions, contrasts outcomes from these activities with similar regions and identifies best practice from elsewhere.
The report concludes that it is possible for Northern Ireland universities to make a significant contribution to future regional economic development. In comparison, relative to other UK regions, knowledge transfer and intellectual property management practices are well-developed here, with a commitment by the universities to align their knowledge transfer strategies to economic development priorities and the needs of local industry.
The authors also identify that, in the future, it is clear that universities are going to become even more important as drivers of regional competitiveness. It was found that both of Northern Ireland’s Higher Education Institutions have, over recent years, adopted a concerted effort to focus on knowledge transfer and commercialisation.
This is an important document for informing future funding policy for the Higher Education sector in Northern Ireland, focusing particularly on economic development and the exploitation of university research.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1.The report is available to download from the Department’s website at http://www.delni.gov.uk/index/publications/pubs-higher-education/he-research-development-knowledge-transfer.htm 
on 2 April 2007.
2.Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7790.