5th December 2003

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UU support boosts local entrepreneurship and product innovation

The University of Ulster has been singled out for praise as an exemplar in regional economic regeneration in the Lambert Review set up by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown.

The United Kingdom’s relatively poor performance in partnerships between universities and business and regional regeneration agencies led to the setting up of the Review. Northern Ireland’s economic future, moving from a public sector dependent economy to a globally competitive knowledge based economy, “will depend upon our universities making a dynamic contribution through research and development and other forms of knowledge transfer”, according to the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gerry McKenna.

The University of Ulster, with its world class reputation in fields such as biotechnology and its leading national role in science park development, incubator companies, spin offs and other wealth creating innovations is seen as a model for stimulating economic growth.

The Lambert Review cites the case of the Belfast company James Leckey Design, which in partnership with the School of Engineering at the University of Ulster “has been able to introduce three new products, several new processes and substantially improve existing products”.

The Review adds that “the new design procedures and technologies developed during the programme have delivered longer lasting benefits”.

Professor McKenna today welcomed the Lambert Review. He said: “The University’s R&D programme will have a crucial role to play in the economic future of Northern Ireland. I share the view that increased collaboration between higher education and business in knowledge transfer is the key to our economic future”.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk