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Sector Briefings - Research & Innovation
For more information on the Research & Innovation sector, download our print-ready PDF:
DownloadSector Briefing
The Research & Innovation sector covers a wide range of subject matters and job roles, which are primarily focused on discovering new and improved ways of doing things, advancing technology, and making scientific breakthroughs.
Research and innovation helps us to implement new concepts and processes into society, improving efficiency and effectiveness, and enables workers to unleash their creative and inventive natures to develop new ideas, design new systems and products, and work with emerging technologies.
Key facts
- In 2019, 966 companies engaged in research and development activities in NI.
- 1 in 12 people employed in Northern Ireland work in the scientific sectors.
- Jobs in this sector pay approximately £8,000 per year above the Northern Ireland average annual wage.
Skills & Attributes
As well as qualifications and experience, there’s a range of skills and attributes employers look for in their employees. These skills can help you succeed in many careers, but these are particularly useful for this sector:
- Attention To Detail
- Analytical Thinking
- Logical Thinking
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Creative & Innovative Thinking
- Flexible & Adaptable
- Collaborative
- Communication Skills
- Technical Skills