AQW 16045/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 09/03/2021
Answered On Date: 22/03/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail the ways in which she is working to attract returners, or highly skilled members of Northern Ireland’s diaspora as highlighted in her Economic Recovery Action Plan.

Answer:

Northern Irish Connections (NIC) is the global diaspora initiative for Northern Ireland. Led by a team based in Invest NI’s International Investment Group, its fundamental aim is to engage with the Northern Irish diaspora to harness the influence and contribution which this group can bring to the future economic growth of the region including the potential to attract experienced talent to thriving sectors of the economy. A pilot Attract Back/In digital campaign was developed by NI Connections in 2019 targeting the overseas diaspora to promote opportunities in the Fintech sector. In light of the traction of the pilot with employers and potential candidates, a second digital campaign launched in February 2021 focussed on promoting Cyber Security opportunities. The campaign features a spectrum of NI Cyber and Technology employers from across the NI Cyber ecosystem https://www.niconnections.com/cyber Both campaigns showcase the strength of the sectors to a global audience whilst simultaneously highlighting career opportunities for those wishing to return or relocate. The campaigns have also served to present a partnership approach across the tech ecosystem to build a talent pool to drive continued growth. Appetite for company participation has been strong, traction with the diaspora encouraging and feedback from the wider technology sector has been positive. NI Connections will continue to run attract back / in campaigns as part of the Economic Recovery Action Plan in response to industry demand in high value sectors identified in the Recovery plan.