Archibald welcomes publication of Regional Balance research
Date published:
Newly published research reports will help inform the actions and policies needed to address the economic disparities that exist across the north, says Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
The Minister was speaking as she attended an event that presented the key findings from research undertaken by the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre and Maureen O’Reilly in relation to Regional Balance.
The Minister said: “Regional Balance is something that is very important to me as Economy Minister. It is one my four strategic objectives and is being mainstreamed into every decision, every policy and every initiative taken by my Department.
“Regional economic disparities are not just numbers on a chart—they represent real communities, real people, and real potential that remains untapped.
“What is clear from the research is that to improve regional balance we need genuine empowerment of local governance structures with adequate resources to drive economic development, supported by coherent central policies. This is why we are creating Local Economic Partnerships.”
The Minister concluded: “Regional balance requires collaboration across departments, with local councils, businesses, and communities. It demands innovation, resilience, and above all, a shared belief that every part of the north matters.”
The ‘Delivering balance regional growth in NI’ report is available on the UUEPC website.
The ‘Infrastructure to Promote and Support Subregional Business Start Up & Growth: A Review of Approaches and Good Practice’ report is available on the Department for the Economy’s website.
Notes to editors:
1. Caption: Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald with (l to r) Gareth Hetherington, Director of the UUEPC; Professor Gillian Armstrong, Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Ulster University Business School; Dr Eoin Magennis, Principal Economist at the UUEPC and Maureen O’Reilly, independent economist.
2. The Ulster University Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC) is an independent economic research centre whose aim is to produce evidence-based research to inform policy development and implementation.
3. Maureen O’Reilly is an independent economist with experience in economic impact assessments, policy evaluations, economic appraisals, strategy, briefing, research, and statistical analysis.
4. Both pieces of research were listed as a project to be delivered under the DfE Research Programme 2024-27, published in July 2024.
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