§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to give Northern Ireland an improved research base; and how he plans to achieve this. [82031]
§ Mr. PearsonAn improved research base, which is dependent on the combined efforts of Government, academia and the private sector, is critical for the development of a modern, competitive, knowledge based economy in Northern Ireland. I launched a draft Regional Innovation Strategy for public consultation on 21 November 2002. Entitled "think, create, innovate" it identifies a series of actions to build on Northern Ireland's strengths and address its weaknesses. It also seeks to ensure that there is a strategic framework for action by all the key822W stakeholders. The public consultation phase will end in January 2003 and I intend to publish the final version in March 2003.