NORTHERN Ireland is the only UK region where the number of jobs dedicated to research and development (R&D) is falling, according to analysis by innovation funding specialists Catax.
The number of R&D jobs in the north fell for the first time on record in the first year of the pandemic, sinking 11.1 per cent from 9,000 in 2019 to 8,000 in 2020, the latest ONS data reveals.
This compares poorly with the national average. Across the UK, the number of R&D jobs grew 6.8 per cent to 283,000 full-time equivalent positions. The next worst performing region was Wales, where the number of positions remained flat at 7,000 year on year.
R&D jobs are seen as an important indicator of future economic growth, particularly when it comes to industries reliant on innovation. These roles stimulate economic activity and often lead to the creation of more skilled jobs locally.
Lack of innovation reduces overall prosperity and leaves areas more vulnerable to economic shocks such as inflation, currency fluctuations, recessions and rises in the cost of living.
Northern Ireland’s R&D jobs represent 2.8 per cent of the UK total — slightly higher than its 2.6 per cent share in 2010. The total has doubled in number from 4,000 a decade ago.
The average R&D workforce across every region of the UK is 23,500.
Mark Tighe, chief executive of Catax, said: “What’s happened in Northern Ireland is a great pity. It stands mid-table when you look at the trend over the past 10 years but it’s been starting from a very low base.
“Policy-makers need to look urgently at why this reversal of fortunes has happened. Economic growth is largely reliant on new growth industries and, without them, Northern Ireland’s fortunes will look very different.”
