Research Papers 2012

• Scottish Manufacturing

  Reference: 187/12 - Date: 04/12/2012

  This paper provides an statistical overview of Scottish manufacturing sector and identifies some strengths and weaknesses.

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• The Small Business Research Initiative

  Reference: 180/12 - Date: 23/11/2012

  This paper provides an overview of the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) and provides examples of projects that have been taken forward through the scheme.

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• Mobile Infrastructure Project

  Reference: 179/12 - Date: 23/11/2012

  This paper provides an overview of the Mobile Infrastructure Project, outlining what the project aims to achieve, and how it will be delivered.

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• World Heritage Sites – Developments and Delistings

  Reference: 169/12 - Date: 30/10/2012

  The following paper discusses World Heritage Sites which have undergone development and delisting.

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• Northern Ireland Petrol and Diesel prices – data analysis

  Reference: 163/12 - Date: 15/10/2012

  This paper provides a number of statistical analyses which are intended to assist the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment in responding to the Office for Fair Trading’s call for evidence. The paper also: Provides a historic comparison of Northern Ireland petrol and diesel pump prices prices with the rest of the UK; Calculates the petrol and diesel cost of travelling the median vehicle mileage in Northern Ireland; Examines the relationship between the price of oil per barrel and pump price of petrol and diesel; and Examines the relationship between fuel duty with the price paid by consumers for fuel at the pump.

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• European Globalisation Adjustment Fund

  Reference: 139/12 - Date: 25/09/2012

  This paper provides an overview of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: European Commission funding that provides support to workers who have suffered redundancy as a result of globalisation or the economic crisis. The paper also provides details of qualification criteria and data on uptake of the fund to date.

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• Shale gas and hydraulic fracture – an overview of existing research

  Reference: 138/12 - Date: 25/09/2012

  This paper examines national and supra-national literature on shale gas development with a focus on environmental concerns; resource assessments; and the interaction between shale gas development and growth in renewable generation.

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• European Regional Development Fund & Energy Efficiency

  Reference: 98/12 - Date: 06/06/2012

  This paper examines the European Regional Development Fund and how it can be used to fund energy efficiency in existing housing stock.

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• FSA Regulation of Northern Ireland Credit Unions

  Reference: 67/12 - Date: 27/04/2012

  This paper compares the recommendations made in the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Report on the Committee’s Inquiry into the Role and Potential of Credit Unions in Northern Ireland (First Report) Session 2008/09 with the final proposals concerning Financial Services Authority (FSA) regulation of Northern Ireland credit unions. The transfer of regulation took place on the 31 March 2012. The focus of this paper is upon the Committee’s recommendations only, rather than the broader implications of FSA regulation. The paper presents the eight recommendations emanating from the Committee’s inquiry, their reasoning and the FSA’s (or where appropriate HM Treasury) response to the those recommendations.

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• Onshore hydrocarbon exploration on the Island of Ireland

  Reference: 52/12 - Date: 02/03/2012

  The following paper draws together and updates previous research into hydrocarbon exploration and hydraulic fracturing on the Island of Ireland

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• R&D and Innovation funding available in Northern Ireland (summary)

  Reference: 26/12 - Date: 07/02/2012

  The following paper provides a summary of funding available for R&D and innovation in Northern Ireland. The paper focuses on businesses funding, although funding that encourages knowledge transfer between universities and business/other universities is also included.

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• Regional Innovation Systems

  Reference: 25/12 - Date: 07/02/2012

  Paper providing an overview OECD Regional Innovation System theory and best practice with comparisons to Northern Ireland’s Regional Innovation Action Plan 2008-2011.

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• Northern Ireland R&D policy and performance - update

  Reference: 23/12 - Date: 07/02/2012

  The following paper updates previous Research and Information paper, 'R&D policy and performance'. It outlines R&D policy developments as introduced by the Draft Programme for Government and Draft Economic Strategy, and provides an overview of the latest data on Northern Ireland’s R&D performance.

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• R&D and Innovation – strategy and support in the UK, Scotland, Wales and Republic of Ireland

  Reference: 24/12 - Date: 07/02/2012

  This paper examines the R&D and innovation strategy, funding and support mechanisms in operation at a national level in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and at a regional level in Scotland and Wales.

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