Shared Island clusters are set to take centre stage as business leaders, policymakers and innovation experts prepare to meet in Dundalk for a major conference on economic competitiveness, collaboration and growth across Ireland.
Enterprise Ireland, InterTradeIreland and Invest Northern Ireland have opened registration for the Shared Island Cluster Leadership Conference 2027, taking place at the Ballymascanlon Hotel on 2–3 February 2027.
Shared Island clusters conference focuses on innovation
Held under the theme “Unlocking the Potential of Clusters: From Ambition to Impact”, the two-day event will examine how effective cluster leadership, stronger partnerships and supportive policy can help businesses and regions achieve sustainable growth.
Clusters connect companies with research institutions, government agencies and other stakeholders. These networks can support knowledge-sharing, innovation, productivity and access to new markets, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The conference will draw on European experience, where more than 1,250 cluster organisations connect approximately 155,000 members. Almost 79% of those members are SMEs, highlighting the potential of clusters to strengthen smaller businesses and help them scale.
Green and digital transition on the agenda
Delegates will also hear findings and policy recommendations from the Interreg Europe AccelerateGDT project. The initiative focuses on improving cluster policy to support Europe’s green and digital transition, while enhancing SME competitiveness and regional resilience.
The programme will include:
- Keynote presentations from international cluster specialists
- Case studies from successful cluster initiatives
- Panel discussions on innovation and regional economic development
- Collaborative workshops and networking opportunities
- Practical guidance for cluster managers and members
Enterprise Ireland and partners strengthen all-island cooperation
The conference is being delivered through the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme’s Clusters and Networks initiative. It is funded by the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island Fund and represents a partnership between three key economic development agencies.
InterTradeIreland said clusters can create connections that turn ideas into commercial opportunities and wider economic impact. Invest Northern Ireland highlighted their role in helping companies access expertise, develop capability and pursue sustainable growth.
Enterprise Ireland said the event would help cluster leaders learn from successful European organisations and build all-island connections that can support Irish sectors competing internationally.
Speakers announced for the programme include Ásta Kristín Sigurjónsdóttir, chief executive of the Iceland Tourism Cluster, and Annie Renders, Head of the Cluster Policy Unit at Flanders Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Shared Island Enterprise Scheme
In February 2024, the Government of Ireland announced €30 million from the Shared Island Fund for the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme. The scheme supports collaboration in women’s entrepreneurship, clusters and networks, and sustainable enterprise.
It marks a significant stage in all-island economic cooperation, bringing together Enterprise Ireland, InterTradeIreland and Invest Northern Ireland through a shared programme of business supports.
Registration details for cluster leaders
Registration is now open through InterTradeIreland. Places are limited, and professionals involved in cluster management, enterprise development, research, policymaking and regional growth are encouraged to register early.
The event provides an opportunity for participants from across the island to share practical experience, develop partnerships and identify new ways to support innovation-led growth.
Key takeaway
The Shared Island Cluster Leadership Conference 2027 will provide a platform for turning collaboration into measurable economic impact. For businesses and organisations seeking stronger innovation networks, the event underlines how Shared Island clusters can support competitiveness, sustainable enterprise and international growth.
Article/Image Courtesy: Enterprise Ireland