strategy statement03 - 05

Pillar Four will be driven principally by Corporate Services and Economic Policy Division, although all Divisions will provide input into the implementation of many of the individual goals.

The Competitiveness, Trade, Environmental and EU Affairs Division will drive forward many of the goals within Pillar Five in collaboration with other Divisions. In the context of the creation of the new EU Competitiveness Council, the Division will also take the lead on the national competitiveness agenda.

Within this five pillar structure, the following goals will guide our priority actions in the coming strategy period.

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3.4.1 Enterprise, Innovation, Growth

We will prioritise investment in science, technology and

innovation and the development of the knowledge society.

We will review and update industrial policies and

interventions in light of the evolving competitiveness environment, developments in respect of the all island economy and the need for regional balance. We will implement change where necessary.

We will develop and implement policies to enhance the

competitiveness environment, leading to the start up and growth of competitive firms, continued foreign direct investment and sustainable development.

3.4.2 Quality Work and Learning

We will ensure that labour market policy responds to changing

skills needs and we will prioritise investment that delivers better jobs, lifelong learning for all and enhanced social inclusion;

We will further enhance quality employment by improving and

enforcing employment rights and entitlements and promoting industrial peace and effective dispute resolution.

Making Markets and Regulation work better

We will take concerted action to ensure that regulation is fair,

balanced and effectively implemented: to encourage commerce, ensure competitiveness, confidence in business and the welfare of citizens;

We will promote competition in all sectors of the economy and

ensure that consumers derive the maximum benefit from the fair and efficient operation of the market.

Quality, Value and Continuous Improvement

We will ensure that the resources entrusted to us deliver value

for money. We will grow our skills and competencies to continuously improve our service to our customers and stakeholders at all levels.

The European Union

We will work proactively within the European Union and

domestic institutional structures:

• to achieve our strategic goals and help make Europe the most competitive economy in the world with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion, and

• to create a more liberal world trade and investment environment.

In the next section we detail the specific strategic actions we will pursue to advance these goals.