Science & Technology in Northern Ireland (UK) (NUTS 2021) 11 indicators covering science & technology for Northern Ireland (UK) (NUTS 2021). IndicatorLatest Year10-yr change Rank Human resources in science and technology (HRST) by category and NUTS 519.5 Thousand persons 2019 up 54.0% 212th Human resources in science and technology (HRST) by category, NUTS 1 519.5 Thousand persons 2019 up 54.0% 102nd Human resources in science and technology (HRST) by category, NUTS 1 519.5 Thousand persons 2019 up 54.0% 102nd R&D personnel and researchers by sector of performance, sex and NUTS 11,796 Full-time equivalent (FTE) 2018 up 47.9% 175th Individuals who used the internet, frequency of use and activities 92.2% 2019 up 50.6% 174th Individuals who ordered goods or services over the internet for 75.2% 2019 up 16.5% 67th Patent applications to the EPO by priority year by NUTS 3 region 69.38 Number 2012 up 76.8% 369th Individuals who used the internet for interaction with public 58.0% 2019 up 46.5% 167th Patent applications to the EPO by priority year by NUTS 3 region 12.38 Number 2012 up 6.9% 340th High-tech patent applications to the EPO by priority year and NUTS 3 7.9 Number 2012 down 34.2% 395th Individuals who accessed the internet away from home or work 86.3% 2019 up 24.7% 60th