Work in Progress - Independent Review of Invest Northern Ireland: Progress report on implementation of recommendations

We are currently undertaking work in order to produce this publication. Details of when we aim to publish the finalised report are indicated below.

In January 2022 the Department for the Economy commissioned an independent review of Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI).  The objective of the review was to provide an independent assessment of Invest NI’s efficiency and effectiveness, and looking forward, its capacity to strategically align with and operationally deliver the 10x Economic Vision.

The Review was undertaken by an Independent Review Panel chaired by Sir Michael Lyons and was published in January 2023.  It concluded that while Northern Ireland requires an economic development agency and Invest NI remains best placed to deliver this role, that the organisation needed significant reform. It highlighted weaknesses in leadership, governance, and transparency, and a lack of clear strategic direction and made 39 recommendations to help address the issues raised.

An action plan in response to the Independent Review was published in October 2023  with full implementation expected by 2026. 

Our report will consider the progress made by the Department and Invest NI in addressing the Review’s recommendations.  It will consider: 

• The actions planned to address the report’s recommendations;
• The governance and reporting arrangements put in place to ensure successful implementation;
• The progress made to date on implementing the recommendations; and
• Any evidence of positive change being delivered by the actions taken to date. 

We will make recommendations for improvement where appropriate.

We aim to publish the report in December 2026.