Today, 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...

Northern 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

Great 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...

Most employees at US Institute of Peace mass-fired via late-night email Congressionally created and funded thinktank taken over by ‘Doge’ seeks to prevent and resolve global conflicts

As 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...

Jodie 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...

Great 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...

Pleased 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...

With 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.

In 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...

This 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...

Treasury must focus on prevention in UK public spending, says report Analysts say ‘measurable, lasting outcomes’ require long-term planning after Tory cuts of up to 78% in some cases

Carving 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...

Going forward transformation of public services will be vital. Improvements won't happen overnight, but the process of change needs to be accelerated. 2/2

Stormont Budget: Ministers agree 2025/26 Northern Ireland funding The Stormont Executive has agreed a draft budget which will go to public consultation.

Timely 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...

Transformation could unlock improved public services for Northern Ireland Despite receiving significant additional funding from UK Budget 2024, the executive remains ‘in the red’.

Writing 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...

There 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.

UK’s Fiscal Framework Should be Revised to Reflect Climate Risks - UK in a changing Europe Dr Jodie Carson argues that government spending decisions need to change to combat the increasing threat of climate change

🌱 "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...

Transformation could unlock improved public services for Northern Ireland Despite receiving significant additional funding from UK Budget 2024, the executive remains ‘in the red’.

Writing 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...

I 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.