Industrial Policy in Northern Ireland: Past, Present and Future

Abstract

In this survey the experience of industrial policy in Northern Ireland is considered and the institutional underpinnings are highlighted. Unlike the rest of the UK, Northern Ireland had a period of devolution (c.1920-1972), which particularly after 1945 was associated with interventionism. In surveying the past, present, and future of such industrial policies, it is important to note the fact that supply-side weaknesses predated the Troubles and while much economic progress has been made since 1998, institutional issues remain. Brexit will provide additional challenges to the formulation of effective industrial policy.