Software

Having grown rapidly in recent years, Northern Ireland is now the leading foreign direct investment region in Europe for software development centres and IT technical support centres.

Despite intensifying competition, the region continues its incredible success.

There are 723 companies in the software sector. Over 100 international software companies have invested, including Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, Accenture, HP, Openwave, Fujitsu, Liberty IT, Allstate and Citigroup.

They are attracted by the strong information and communications technology (ICT) focus of the region’s two universities, leading-edge research and development (R&D), a ready availability of graduates and an attractive cost base. Read about Northern Ireland as a cost-efficient location.

Northern Ireland also has a vibrant cluster of indigenous software firms, many of which are leading global players. Particular areas of expertise include wireless, Internet and financial services software, customer relationship management (CRM) and information management.

Burgeoning ICT research

There are 13 university ICT-related research centres in Northern Ireland. The key technology areas under research are telecommunications and wireless, web and Internet technologies, engineering technologies and semiconductors, and digital media.

Growth outlook

Currently there are around 11,200 IT-specific employees in Northern Ireland and this number is growing by 10-20 per cent a year.

Through a combination of growth by existing investors, indigenous companies and new inward investment, the software sector is predicted to grow to some 16,000 employees over the next few years.

Availability of qualified staff to serve this sector is high. Almost 24,000 students are currently enrolled in ICT-related higher education courses in Northern Ireland, of which approximately 7,500 are at degree level.

Download a guide to the ICT sector in Northern Ireland (PDF)