Northern Ireland's highly educated and skilled English-speaking workforce provides a steady stream of fresh talent for knowledge-based companies.

Northern Ireland's operating costs are highly competitive and significantly lower than the rest of the UK and Europe.

The UK was the first EU country to deregulate and privatise its telecommunications sector and is one of the most cost effective locations for telecoms in Europe.

Knowledge-based sectors account for the large majority of all foreign direct investment into Northern Ireland.  Software and financial services are among the sectors experiencing the fastest growth.

Northern Ireland's internationally renowned universities have been key drivers in the development of the region's technology and knowledge industries.  Queen's University, Belfast and the University of Ulster have globally-recognised research centres across a range of disciplines.

Northern Ireland provides a competitive near-shore proposition to Europe, with the advantage of operating in the same time zone, regulatory environment and similar culture to the UK.

The Northern Ireland labour market continues to perform well with the number of thos in employment continuing to rise.

Northern Ireland has a strongly pro-business climate.  The regional Government is committed to developing the knowledge-based economy and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship.

Northern Ireland offers a highly attractive and competitive package of financial incentives, recruitment and training, research and development and other development support tailored to each company's needs.

In recent years, Northern Ireland has become increasingly successful in attracting foreign direct investment.  Key investors include multi-national companies such as Seagate Technology, Fujitsu, Bombardier Aerospace, Microsoft, Catepillar, Citi, Liberty Mutual, the Allstate Corporation and Firstsource solutions.