Ulster University Business School welcomed internationally renowned innovation leaders to Belfast, marking a major milestone for Northern Ireland’s innovation ecosystem.
The visit builds on the work of Professor Michael Brennan, Dr. Shirley Davey and Charlie Tuxworth, co-authors of the Innovation Skills – International Developments report for the Department for the Economy. Charlie also chairs the creation of ISO 56011, the global standard for innovation competency, set to launch in Spring 2026. This ISO Technical Committee meeting was historic, the first time a global ISO innovation group has convened in Northern Ireland.
The delegation toured the GBD Campus and Innovation Labs, where Dr .Paul Beaney showcased projects like the £42m Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology (CDHT).
Professor Gillian Armstrong MBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of Ulster University Business School, reinforced UUBS’s commitment to people-centric partnering within the new UUBS strategic vision - achieving transformational outcomes for our students, staff, and the business community internationally.
Professor Armstrong said:
“We were delighted to welcome a Global ISO Innovation Group to Ulster University this week and to showcase the role of Higher Education in supporting the innovation ecosystem. Through a round table discussion with colleagues across the Institution - a range of activities spanning teaching, research, enterprise and strong industry collaboration were shared.
"Northern Ireland has an exceptional story to tell in this space and how local Universities help drive economic growth, develop skills to boost investment, jobs and are the engines for regional development.”
Dr Shirley Davey commented:
“This visit of the International ISO group of experts enabled us to showcase the rich legacy of innovation in Ulster University and the exciting, emerging transdisciplinary opportunities such as Belfast region city deal. Our research on innovation competency taken forward in the new international standard shows how important stronger innovation is in achieving long-term economic growth and sustainable futures for all.”
Distinguished guests included:
- Magnus Karlsson - Systematic Innovation Management, KTH Royal Institute of Technology; RISE Institute Sweden; Partner, Amplify
- Dennis Böcker, Global Innovation Lead, Bosch; Harvard Business Review Advisory Council
- Laszlo Szemelyi, Executive Partner, Future Now; Initium Venture Labs
