Stephen Farry @stephenfarry.bsky.social · 28/05/2025Today, Jodie Carson and I launched our report entitled “AI for NI: A Strategic Overview for the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Northern Ireland” from UU SPU. There are considerable opportunities for NI from the responsible adoption of AI. www.ulster.ac.uk/__data/asset... 110
Stephen Farry @stephenfarry.bsky.social · 07/04/2025Great to see @ulsteruni.bsky.social Strategic Policy Unit (UUSPU) in the Guardian. NI Affairs Committee report into public finances sets out struggles with public sector outcomes & sustainable finances, requiring needs-based funding plus upscaling transformation. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...theguardian.comNorthern Ireland’s public services ‘at risk of collapse’Hospital waiting lists among worst in UK and children with special needs waiting a year for support, report finds 021
Stephen Farry @stephenfarry.bsky.social · 30/03/2025As a former senior fellow, it is sad and frightening to see what has happened to the United States Institute of Peace. Much great work has been done over the past 40 years, with future opportunities and assistance forgone. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...theguardian.comMost employees at US Institute of Peace mass-fired via late-night emailCongressionally created and funded thinktank taken over by ‘Doge’ seeks to prevent and resolve global conflicts 020
Stephen Farry @stephenfarry.bsky.social · 25/03/2025Great article from my @ulsteruni.bsky.social Strategic Policy Unit colleague Jodie Carson in today's Irish News Business highlighting the interdependence of policy interventions, and the need for clearer understanding to drive better outcomes. www.irishnews.com/news/busines...irishnews.comJodie Carson: Understanding policy dependencies is crucial to driving better outcomes‘If we opt not to allocate resources to upgrading wastewater infrastructure and addressing planning backlogs, there will be consequential impacts on other policy areas, and these are costly’ - Dr Jodi... 020
Stephen Farry @stephenfarry.bsky.social · 12/03/2025Pleased to attend today's briefing from NI Fiscal Council on Executive's budget. Whilst a balanced budget can be delivered, Executive is struggling to meet growing pressures & to improve outcomes. Other options, including greater transformation, are possible. www.nifiscalcouncil.org/publications...nifiscalcouncil.org 000
Stephen Farry @stephenfarry.bsky.social · 03/02/2025With growing confrontation between the major powers, developing trade wars, and erosion of international co-operation, it is worth stressing that the major problems facing the world including tech regulation, migration, climate change and tackling poverty all require collective action. 000
Stephen Farry @stephenfarry.bsky.social · 28/01/2025In a timely article in the @irishnews.com my colleague Jodie Carson sets out the pressing need for a dedicated AI strategy for NI. Much good work is underway, but we need joined up action to maximise opportunities and to address some local challenges. www.irishnews.com/news/norther...irishnews.comWhy we’re perfectly placed to be a leader in AI - if we get a move onProfessor Jodie Carson on the need for the north to get a move on when it comes to an AI strategy 000
Stephen Farry @stephenfarry.bsky.social · 10/01/2025This week, we launched our first report covering public sector transformation in NI. At present, NI’s finances are not sustainable, and public services are struggling. Transformation is key to greater efficiency and better outcomes. www.ulster.ac.uk/__data/asset...ulster.ac.uk 000
Stephen Farry @stephenfarry.bsky.social · 30/12/2024Carving out a proportion of resource spending for prevention is a very interesting idea. Prevention is core to more efficient services and better outcomes. It is something that could be considered for budgets in NI. We are considering this further... www.theguardian.com/society/2024...theguardian.comTreasury must focus on prevention in UK public spending, says reportAnalysts say ‘measurable, lasting outcomes’ require long-term planning after Tory cuts of up to 78% in some cases 000
Stephen Farry @stephenfarry.bsky.social · 19/12/2024Timely draft budget for NI allowing consultation and final decisions before start of next FY is welcome. Despite record funding, NI faces huge financial challenges in just sustaining public services let alone improving outcomes. We are running to stand still. 1/2 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...bbc.co.ukStormont Budget: Ministers agree 2025/26 Northern Ireland fundingThe Stormont Executive has agreed a draft budget which will go to public consultation. 000
Reposted by Stephen FarryStephen Farry @stephenfarry.bsky.social · 04/12/2024Writing in the business section of the Irish News, my colleague Prof. Jodie Carson, sets out the imperative of transformation of NI public services. A revised fiscal framework is necessary but not sufficient for improved outcomes. www.irishnews.com/news/busines...irishnews.comTransformation could unlock improved public services for Northern IrelandDespite receiving significant additional funding from UK Budget 2024, the executive remains ‘in the red’. 101
Stephen Farry @stephenfarry.bsky.social · 09/12/2024There are major costs of inaction regarding #climatechange which are not currently captured in gov't financial plans. In this article for @ukandeu.bsky.social, my colleague Prof Jodie Carson argues the UK's fiscal framework should better reflect this. 000
Reposted by Stephen FarryUK in a Changing Europe @ukandeu.bsky.social · 09/12/2024🌱 "The Chancellor could have gone further, demonstrating how additional strategic, green investment would offset future risks" Dr Jodie Carson argues that the UK's fiscal framework needs some serious revision to combat climate change 👇 ukandeu.ac.uk/uks-fiscal-f...ukandeu.ac.ukUK’s Fiscal Framework Should be Revised to Reflect Climate Risks - UK in a changing EuropeDr Jodie Carson argues that government spending decisions need to change to combat the increasing threat of climate change 042
Stephen Farry @stephenfarry.bsky.social · 04/12/2024Writing in the business section of the Irish News, my colleague Prof. Jodie Carson, sets out the imperative of transformation of NI public services. A revised fiscal framework is necessary but not sufficient for improved outcomes. www.irishnews.com/news/busines...irishnews.comTransformation could unlock improved public services for Northern IrelandDespite receiving significant additional funding from UK Budget 2024, the executive remains ‘in the red’. 101
Stephen Farry @stephenfarry.bsky.social · 04/12/2024I am new to Bluesky. Currently a Professor of Strategic Policy in Practice at Ulster University. Previously, I was an elected representative in NI, including serving as Minister for Employment & Learning, and a Member of Parliament. Keen to engage on NI, UK, Irish and global policy challenges. 011