معرفی
Gareth Hetherington serves as Director of the Economic Policy Centre at Ulster University Business School, Belfast campus. His research focuses on Northern Ireland's economic development, labor markets, and policy analysis through the independent Economic Policy Centre, which produces evidence-based research to inform policy development.
His research interests span economic policy, labor market dynamics, workforce development, industry economics, and Northern Ireland's specific economic challenges. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to economic growth and decent work. The Economic Policy Centre undertakes strategic consultancy projects for public and private sector clients addressing regional economic issues.
Analysis of his publications reveals consistent focus on Northern Ireland's economic landscape, with recent work examining post-pandemic remote working trends and peace monitoring. His research shows strong connections between labor markets, industry development, and regional economic policy with particular attention to entertainment/media industries and skills development.
As Director of the Economic Policy Centre, Hetherington leads research initiatives including the current EPIC Futures NI project (2024-2026) focused on economic inactivity. His work involves collaboration with government departments including the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.
The Economic Policy Centre functions as his primary research unit, producing policy-relevant research that connects academic analysis with practical economic development challenges in Northern Ireland, with recent projects addressing environmental benefit valuation, energy and manufacturing sectors, and district council economic strategies.
