Northern Ireland brain drain: 'The majority of our young who leave will never return'

By Professor Patrick Johnston, vice-chancellor Queen's University Belfast, and Professor Richard Barnett, vice-chancellor University of Ulster. One of Northern Ireland's greatest natural resources is our skilled, talented people. People who are the lifeblood of local and international businesses, the research base and ultimately, our economy.
Higher education contributes £1.5bn annually to the local economy, and is a key economic driver providing 8,000 high-quality graduates each year who are sought after by investors and indigenous businesses. More...