Report

Contribution of the pharmaceutical sector to Northern Ireland’s economy

This analysis has been prepared by the Fraser of Allander Institute (FAI) at the University of Strathclyde. The technical analysis, methodology and writing of the results was undertaken independently by the FAI. This analysis was commissioned and supported by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) Northern Ireland.

The pharmaceutical industry plays an important role in Northern Ireland’s economy. It employs a significant number of people and has a track record of globally recognised research achievements to go with its valuable manufacturing base. The industry represents companies covering a range of activities, from research to manufacturing and sales. Northern Ireland’s pharmaceutical sector has achieved strides in biomedical research, including developments in cancer, cardiovascular disease and cystic fibrosis research.

Only the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products is covered in the statistical definition of the pharmaceutical industry in the national accounts – which includes estimates of economic activity in an economy by industry – but the true industry coverage is wider than this suggests. For example, the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Northern Ireland contains around 20 firms but the number of firms engaging in pharmaceutical activity is greater.