Calling All Local Entrepreneurs
San Diego in the United States transformed itself from being called America’s ‘bust’ city to a successful knowledge economy.
And according to a recent report launched at Stormont Castle, we can do the same in Northern Ireland.
The report is promoted by NISP CONNECT/Northern Bank and called the ‘Northern Ireland Knowledge Economy Index – Baseline Report’.
It suggests we can move the Northern Ireland economy from being overly dependent on the public sector to an economy populated with knowledge based businesses.
The launch of the report highlighted the need to fast-track Northern Ireland businesses to the knowledge economy and acts as a call to action for entrepreneurs and government alike.
It suggests we need a collaborative approach across government, business and education to create sufficient wealth to raise local living standards.
The timing of the report is good news as there is an increasing need to focus on the opportunities presented by the growing knowledge economy.
The report will now be used as a baseline to set targets, measure performance and, presumably, allocate funding and resources.
It will inform government departments and policy makers and act as a focus for creating new start-up companies, jobs and wealth.
It should also help to mobilise a wide range of public and private sector organisations interested in the knowledge economy.
However, there is a danger that its focus will be concentrated on the Belfast area and so entrepreneurs located across Northern Ireland will need to engage to have their voices heard.
SO, if you are a local entrepreneur interested in benefiting from the knowledge economy; get in touch as this could be your opportunity.
What do you think? Are you a local entrepreneur?
Leave your comments below.
