Northern Ireland is moving from talk to action. Stormont is standing up an Office of AI and Digital, departments are publishing direction, and MLAs have formed an All‑Party Group on Artificial Intelligence. For businesses and public services, the message is clear: align to policy, build capability, and prepare to implement.
What Stormont has done recently
- Created an Office of AI and Digital
The Executive launched a dedicated office to modernise public services, with a roadmap for AI adoption across departments led by the Chief Scientific and Technology Adviser. - Published AI Strategic Direction
The Department for the Economy (DfE) set out initial focus on investment, ethics, and regulation, with cross‑cutting themes of people, business, and infrastructure. It references an AI Advisory Panel, metrics, and fast‑track actions aligned to sectoral needs. - Formed an All‑Party Group on AI
MLAs have established an APG to connect legislators with industry and academia on responsible adoption, chaired by Kate Nicholl MLA. - Raised AI in the Chamber
Budget and policy questions in plenary have pressed the pace and funding of AI work.
Why this matters for NI
- A coordinated plan attracts investment
Policy clarity on infrastructure, standards, and ethics lowers risk for investors and buyers. - Public sector delivery can improve
AI offers triage, case management automation, and better citizen communication if integrated well. - Skills and inclusion are central
DfE’s focus on education pathways and lifelong learning recognises the need to move quickly on capability without leaving communities behind.
The opportunity by sector
- Advanced manufacturing and data infrastructure
With strengths in photonics, semiconductors, and data storage, NI can link AI demand to real economy jobs. - Health and life sciences
Collaborations between Trusts and universities are already testing AI for pathways and diagnostics. - Financial and professional services
Belfast’s fintech and regtech ecosystems can help shape responsible AI adoption for regulated industries. - Public services
Contact centres, document workflows, and eligibility assessments are ripe for safe automation, subject to auditability and human oversight.
.svg){kind=small}
.webp)
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
.svg)
