IMPROVING productivity in the UK regions - including Northern Ireland - could boost the overall economy by £200 billion in a decade.
That is according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) which said better productivity was vital for "long-term, sustainable economic growth as it is the foundation for prosperity".
It has come up with a four-point plan which it said could boost the UK economy by 10 per cent.
It includes improving education attainment of young people, increasing transport links, improving management practices and achieving a higher proportion of firms exporting.
The study found that the north was more than 37 per cent less productive than London, the UK's most productive area.
And productivity across Northern Ireland varied too, with Belfast doing best and the north of Northern Ireland the least.
CBI director in the north Angela McGowan said increasing productivity "will lead to stronger economic growth which is vital to improving the wellbeing and prosperity of all our citizens".
"Unlocking Regional Growth could not have come at a better time – this report sets out a clear roadmap of evidence based measures which can be used to improve Northern Ireland’s productivity and guide us through the significant challenges ahead.
"The latest draft programme for government and the forthcoming economic strategy will set the direction and tone of the economy for years to come. CBI is very keen to play a key role in collaborating with Northern Ireland’s Department of the Economy to use this in-depth report to inform and improve regional economic policy.
"Only when business and the Executive positively collaborate can we create a strong, competitive, regionally balanced economy that delivers greater prosperity and more sustainable jobs."
The CBI said it wanted to see £208bn added to the UK's nominal gross value added over the next decade which is roughly equivalent to the combined GVA of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
his would lead to more jobs and higher standards of living in Northern Ireland and right across the UK.
The body said plans in the north could be boosted by pressing ahead with the A5 and A6 upgrade projects and the York Street interchange.
It also wants more targeting of executive assistance for local firms with the potential to export and More exposure to foreign market.
