Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) and Queen’s University, Belfast (QUB) have formed a new partnership, which will see the organisations work together to deliver a series of events, specifically focused on digitisation and cyber security in a business context.
Over the course of the next 12 months, it will cover themes including AI and innovation, digital transformation for productivity improvement and cyber security in the context of risk management. There will also be a strand specifically directed towards university students, connecting those studying in relevant academic fields with the business community.
The series kicks-off on Thursday 11 April in Titanic Hotel, Belfast when speakers from Analytics Engines and QUB will discuss how companies of all sizes can learn to create and elevate data strategies, assess their current data maturity levels and understand the fundamentals of analytics. Attendees will also hear experts discuss local perspectives and global trends in AI, as well as how AI can be leveraged for competitive advantage.
Launching the new series, Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, NI Chamber, said: “Businesses of all sizes are dealing with increasingly large and complex volumes of data. Understanding how to leverage it presents significant opportunity in terms of forecasting, efficiencies, and driving global competitiveness. Of course, we know too that it comes with additional responsibilities and considerations around cyber security.
“Given the scale of both risk and reward, helping our member businesses to really understand data in a highly digitised global trading environment is vital, so we are delighted to have secured QUB as our series partner.
“This series is pitched very specifically for NI based businesses and is an ideal peer-learning opportunity for SMEs who want to harness their data effectively, as well as finance, IT, marketing and sales professionals, in addition to Directors and CEOs seeking to understand the strategic use and importance of data. Already, there has been a significant level of interest in participating, which is further demonstration of its importance.”
Queen’s University Belfast is known for its expertise in the areas of health, fintech, cyber security, and data analytics, and is home to a new Cyber-AI Hub at the Centre of Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) funded by the UK Government’s £18.9 million investment in NI’s Cyber Security industry.
Then university is currently working closely with government and business partners across the region on 3 innovation centres which will support businesses in driving innovation and productivity. These three centres are part of the City and Growth deals and represent an investment of some £215m.
The new Queen’s Business School also offers specific expertise in the fields of data, analytics, and AI working with SMEs to drive their data and innovate their business offering.
Joanne Mallon, Business Engagement Manager, Queen’s University Belfast, commented: “Queen’s University Belfast has been a proud patron and partner of the NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry for many years and I am delighted that we will continue to strengthen our long standing relationship with them and their members in 2024 through the delivery of the Digital and Cyber series of seminars.
“Understanding the power of data and the importance of cyber security is a major challenge facing businesses across all sectors. At Queen’s, addressing real world need is at the heart of our civic mission, and this programme will offer local business access to a wide range of experts within the University, whilst also facilitating peer-to-peer learning.
“We are looking forward to working directly with NI Chamber members over the next 12 months through the Digital and Cyber series and to help more Northern Irish businesses use data and cyber security as a key to unlocking valuable insights, protect against potential risks and threats, stay ahead of emerging trends and gain competitive advantage.”
A limited number of places are remaining the first event in the series ‘Elevating your data strategy’ on Thursday 11 April at 10.00am in Titanic Hotel, Belfast. It is free for NI Chamber members and costs £60 + VAT for non-members. To secure a place, register on the NI Chamber website.
