A powerful line up of world-leading experts and international thought leaders have been announced as keynote speakers ahead of the 28^th TCI Global Conference, the flagship event for clusters and innovation ecosystems, which is coming to the island of Ireland later this year.

This unmissable event for industry leaders, network and cluster members, policy makers, academics and researchers takes place at Dublin Royal Convention Centre from 14^th to 16^th October. It will feature some of the leading names in policy, economic development, sustainability and competitiveness, including;

• Dr Christian Ketels - Internationally renowned economist and competitiveness expert, who will examine macro global trends, and explore how clusters can adapt to emerging challenges and drive innovation by reshaping policy frameworks.
• Arantxa Tapia – Former Minister for Economic Development, Sustainability, and the Environment in the Basque Government, who will share her perspective on how clusters underpin regional resilience and sustainable economic growth.
• Dr. Mark Esposito – Economist, public policy expert with faculty appointments at Harvard University, and co-author of The Great Remobilization, who will offer a forward-looking view on how economic systems, AI, and sustainability trends are shaping the future of cluster ecosystems.
• Mariella Masselink – Head of the “Industrial Forum, Alliances, Clusters” unit at the European Commission, who will present EU-level insights on how alliances and cluster networks are driving competitiveness and innovation across borders
• Joan Martí Estévez - A leading cluster practitioner, who will deliver a compelling plenary on how clusters can be leveraged as tools for business growth, and as powerful mechanisms for balancing regional economies.

Hosted by ‘The Positive Economist’, Susan Hayes-Culleton, the conference will blend strategic insight into clusters and innovation ecosystems, through speaker presentations and panel discussions, with practical engagement during interactive cluster visits and dedicated workshops.

Speaking about the conference, Dr Christian Ketels, said:

“Ireland has in many ways  been a clear winner of the past era of globalisation, achieving growth rates  that are the envy of many peers. But is now faced with a global economic  environment characterised by significant uncertainty and disruption, threatening  to erode core pillars of Irish competitiveness. 

“Cluster-based economic development has  proven to be a powerful way to drive a strategic dialogue across the public and  private sector, including groups of related industries, to create shared value  and define a response to a changing market context. It recognises the deep  linkages that connect firms and sectors and gives individual places a voice and  identity to chart a path forward. The TCI conference will be a great  opportunity to draw on global experiences for how this tool can be used and  enable Ireland to showcase its ambitions in leveraging clusters to an  international community." 

Alison Currie,  Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at InterTradeIreland, lead delivery partner of the conference, said:

“The calibre of speakers this year reflects the depth and breadth of  expertise within the global cluster community. Each brings a unique  perspective, from high-level policy and international investment to grassroots  collaboration and innovation. Together, they will provide delegates with the  insights, inspiration, and tools needed to strengthen cluster ecosystems  worldwide.”

Patricia Valdenebro, CEO  of the TCI Network, said:

“The high standard of the Conference’s  programme will ensure that delegates are getting real-life examples of the  benefits of clustering, and are equipped with the knowledge to create bold,  next generation and emerging strategies that will drive transformation and  resilience, and collaborative sustainable growth.”

Carol Gibbons, Head of Entrepreneurship, Regions and Local Enterprise at  Enterprise Ireland said:

“We  are delighted to welcome such a high calibre of esteemed international speakers  to Ireland in October. Their combined wealth of experience from across a wide  range of specialities including advanced manufacturing, AI and sustainability  will serve to inform delegates of how clusters are tackling pressing global  challenges and driving transformative growth. We look forward to hearing from  them in what promises to be an unmissable knowledge sharing event for the  global cluster community.” 

Paul Gunn, Alternative Funding Manager at Invest Northern Ireland said: 

“The impressive array of speakers lined up for the TCI Global Conference  will play a crucial role in fostering productive discussions, building and  strengthening relationships, and provide a platform to showcase our clusters on  a global stage. Delegates will no doubt leave with new insights and ideas to  inspire a new era of cluster collaboration.”

With a dynamic mix of international visionaries and homegrown talent, the conference promises to be a landmark event for anyone interested in the future of collaborative economic growth and those eager to build all-island and international partnerships.

Registrations for the TCI Global Conference are now open at tciglobalconference.com.

The 28^th TCI Global Conference is hosted by InterTradeIreland, in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, as a joint-all island initiative under the clustering strand of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme. 

Editor’s Notes

Clusters are groups of businesses, research centres and associated institutions across sectors and regions that collaborate, share knowledge, enable innovation and facilitate the development of a supportive industry ecosystem. Businesses that participate in clusters typically experience higher levels of innovation and faster growth. The island of Ireland is home to several vibrant cluster groups, spanning sectors such as Advanced Manufacturing, Life and Health Sciences, Fintech, and Cyber Security.

*Lead photo (L-R): Rachael Corridan, InterTradeIreland, Sarah Mallon, Enterprise Ireland, Alison Currie, InterTradeIreland and Paul Gunn, Invest Northern Ireland.