MATRIX - the Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel
Matrix is an industry-led panel advising government and informing academia and industry on the commercial exploitation of research and development (R&D) and science and technology. The panel produces regular, in-depth reports which outline the work, findings and recommendations of its specialist sub panels. These reports are an invaluable resource for anyone interested in how new technologies and market opportunities can be developed within the Northern Ireland economy and beyond.
Matrix
Chaired by Robert Hill, the panel is comprised of business and academic leaders representing a broad spectrum of Northern Ireland’s science and technology sectors. The panel is supported by a small secretariat team based in the Department for the Economy. In 2024, Matrix appointed 8 new industry members to its panel.
See the full panel at: The Matrix website - panel
What Matrix does
The Matrix panel commissions research, analysis and studies, to help DfE build the evidence base for future science and R&D policies within wider innovation policy.
The Matrix panel advises in three main areas:
- key R&D and science and technology issues affecting business innovation
- the emerging strategic technology priorities impacting on Northern Ireland’s economy
- the promotion of a culture of innovation and the importance of R&D and science and technology in the future, particularly with business and in regard to commercial exploitation activities.
Find out more about what Matrix does: Matrix website - about Matrix
Matrix reports
Since its first reports were launched in 2008, Matrix has produced a wide range of reports covering emerging and established technology sectors and cross-cutting themes. Including:
- advanced manufacturing
- advanced materials
- information and communications technology (ICT)
- agri-food
- life and health sciences
Recent and current work includes:
- Engineering Biology Research in Northern Ireland, (April 2026)
- Lasers and Photonics, (October 2025)
- AI and the Future of Work in Northern Ireland, (September 2025)
- Decarbonisation of the NI built environment (June 2025)
- Building on our strengths – Northern Ireland’s growing space industry (March 2025)
- Regulatory Technology Landscape Review (February 2025)
- Advanced Wireless Networks (November 2024)
- Unleashing the potential of NI’s Life and Health Sciences Sector through City and Growth Deals (April 2024)
In progress:
- Quantum Technologies
- Creative Technologies
See current sectors:
For Matrix’s published reports:
Visit: Matrix Reports
Further information
Matrix has a comprehensive outreach and communications programme and supports several sectoral events which promote STEM skills including the Northern Ireland Science Festival.
Matrix has a comprehensive outreach and communications programme, engaging stakeholders across business, academia, government and civic society throughout Northern Ireland and further afield. This includes supporting events promoting STEM skills, such as the Northern Ireland Science Festival (external link opens in a new window / tab), as well as a growing range of sectoral conferences, workshops and engagements connecting Northern Ireland with wider UK and European innovation networks.
