Ballymascanlon Hotel in Dundalk to host major international conference

Cluster leaders, policymakers, and practitioners from across the island of Ireland are being invited to register for the Shared Island Cluster Leadership Conference 2027, a two-day international event focused on unlocking the potential of clusters to accelerate innovation, strengthen competitiveness and drive economic growth.

Taking place at the Ballymascanlon Hotel, Dundalk, on 2-3 February 2027, the conference will bring together leading international experts, policymakers and cluster practitioners under the theme "Unlocking the Potential of Clusters: From Ambition to Impact", exploring how effective cluster leadership, collaboration and policy can work together to strengthen cluster organisations and maximise their impact.

The conference will draw on the extensive experience developed across Europe, where more than 1,250 cluster organisations connect approximately 155,000 members, almost 79% of which are SMEs.

By sharing the approaches and practical learning behind this activity, the event will explore how strong, sustainable cluster ecosystems can be developed across the island of Ireland.

The conference will also showcase key findings and policy recommendations from the Interreg Europe Accelerate GDT project.

It will bring together European cluster experts to share their knowledge, experience and insights on how cluster policy can support the green and digital transitions with practitioners across the island of Ireland.

Delivered through the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme's Clusters and Networks initiative, the conference is a collaborative partnership between InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, funded by the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island Fund.

It will provide a unique opportunity for delegates to gain practical insights, learn from leading European experts, cluster managers and economic development agencies, and connect with peers facing similar challenges and opportunities across the cluster development ecosystem for future all-island collaboration.

Organisers have announced that the conference programme will feature keynote speakers including Ásta Kristín Sigurjónsdóttir, CEO of the Iceland Tourism Cluster and Annie Renders, Head of the Cluster Policy Unit at Flanders Innovation and Entrepreneurship, alongside a range of nationally and internationally acclaimed experts in cluster development, innovation, regional economic growth and collaboration.

Throughout the two-day programme, delegates will hear case studies from successful cluster initiatives, participate in strategic discussions on the future of cluster development, and explore practical approaches to strengthening collaboration between industry, academia, government and research organisations.

Barbara Orr, Director of Enterprise Development at InterTradeIreland, said: "Clusters have an increasingly important role to play in strengthening innovation, competitiveness and sustainable economic growth across the island of Ireland.

“By bringing together businesses, researchers, policymakers and industry leaders, they create the connections that help ideas develop into opportunities and opportunities develop into economic impact.

"This conference is designed to give delegates access to leading international expertise, practical learning and valuable networking opportunities.

“We are delighted to welcome international experts and speakers whose experience and insights will help attendees explore new approaches to cluster leadership, collaboration and innovation.

“Whether participants are managing established clusters or developing new initiatives, the conference will provide practical takeaways that can be applied within their own organisations and networks."

Linda Jamison, Head of Collaboration and Clusters at Invest Northern Ireland said: “Clusters bring businesses together with the right partners, expertise and ideas to help them innovate, become more competitive and pursue new opportunities.

“For companies in Northern Ireland, these connections can be valuable in building capability to support sustainable growth.

“This conference gives cluster leaders and participants an opportunity to learn from international experience, share practical approaches and strengthen relationships across the island.

“We are pleased to work with InterTradeIreland and Enterprise Ireland through the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme to help develop more connected and effective clusters that deliver real value for businesses.”

Anne Lanigan, Divisional Manager, Local Enterprise and Regions at Enterprise Ireland said: "Through the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, Enterprise Ireland is working with InterTradeIreland and Invest Northern Ireland to strengthen meaningful sector engagement across the island.

“This conference is an opportunity for cluster managers and their members to learn from some of Europe's most successful cluster organisations on how to maximise cluster impact and build all-island connections that will help their sectors compete on a global stage. I'd encourage anyone involved in leading or developing a cluster to register.”

During the conference, delegates will have opportunities to participate in keynote sessions, panel discussions, networking events and collaborative workshops designed to strengthen connections and support future collaboration.

Registration is now open. Those interested are encouraged to secure their place early as demand is expected to be high and places are limited.

For more information and registration details, visit www.intertradeireland.com.