The economies of both parts of the Island of Ireland are currently undergoing significant economic change, moving towards more innovation-oriented stages of development. Both economies face similar challenges related to the increased pace and intensity of global competition. The two economies must build areas of co-operation particularly in the areas of infrastructure, research and development, skills formation and innovation which will enhance both communities’ capacity to position themselves in the knowledge economy of the future.
The Comprehensive Study on the All Island Economy (note 72) identified a number of areas where co-ordination of policy intervention can prove beneficial to the citizens of both jurisdictions. Amongst others areas these include:
Intervention to support R&D and the development of the knowledge economy.
Interventions in education and training to enhance human capital.
Enhancing co-operation and co-ordination in the provision of key infrastructure including transport, energy and telecommunications
Enhanced co-operation in support of enterprise and development.
The investment in the Regional Operational Programme will facilitate where possible greater so-operation between communities institutions and enterprises on both parts of the Island especially the areas of infrastructure and enterprise. Consultation has taken place with the SEUPB and the Border Regional and Local Authorities in the preparation of this Operational Programme.
Note 72 This report is available at http://foreignaffairs.gov.ie/uploads/documents/comprehensive
