Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD and Northern Ireland Executive First Minister Michelle O’Neill Endorse All-island Cluster Development at Global Clustering Conference

Pictured (L-R) are Linda Jamison, Head of Collaboration and Clusters, Invest NI; Margaret Hearty, Chief Executive, InterTradeIreland; An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; First Minister, Michelle O'Neill and Carol Gibbins, Head of Entrepreneurship, Regions and Local Enterprise, Enterprise Ireland. 

The advancement of all-island cluster development is being endorsed by the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, and First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill, in their addresses to the 28th TCI Global Conference that opens in Dublin today, 15 October.

This flagship event, the leading international conference for clusters and innovation ecosystems, is being hosted for the first time on the island of Ireland. It is also the first time the conference is being held on a cross-border basis, as part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme delivered by InterTradeIreland, Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland.

The TCI Global Conference brings together over 200 delegates from over 25 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ghana, Sweden, Ukraine, Norway, and the US, demonstrating the economic benefits of clusters in an era of systemic disruption and digital acceleration.
 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, in his keynote address to the event, said, “I warmly welcome delegates from around the world to Dublin for the 28th TCI Global Conference, supported through our Shared Island Enterprise Scheme.  

“Improving Ireland's competitiveness is a priority for this Government and so we are committed to supporting cluster organisations to achieve scale, impact and international visibility. Our new International Impact Clustering Programme will initially fund three pilot clusters that support national strategic enterprise development priorities.  

“This new national policy is testament to our commitment to advancing and aligning clustering on the island of Ireland and facilitating greater engagement with EU industrial ecosystems and alliances.” 
 

First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill, said, “It is really encouraging to see so many different sectors and industries across the globe represented at this conference.  The collaboration and support for all-island cluster development which have been showcased here are crucial for driving transformative growth.  

“Supporting cluster development is not only part of our Programme for Government but it is also essential for strengthening our collective economic future. I know that by working together we can all ensure that growth is fair, sustainable, and shared right across our communities.”  

The event is also being addressed by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke and Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
 

Speaking about the conference, Minister Burke said, "Collaboration through the development of clusters will help us to progress towards a more integrated and prosperous economy, and strengthen the innovation ecosystem across the island. The TCI Global Conference will play an important role in equipping businesses with the knowledge and practical tools required for sustained growth and continued success. I strongly support the work of InterTradeIreland, Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland through the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, which secured this flagship conference for the island of Ireland and advances cooperation on clustering policy on an island-wide basis. "

Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald said, “By investing in clusters, we are unlocking the potential to drive innovation, boost productivity, and create high-quality jobs - core priorities for my Department. The TCI Global Conference offers a unique opportunity to engage with international best practice and fresh perspectives, strengthening our ambition to build a more dynamic and resilient economy.”

Margaret Hearty, Chief Executive, InterTradeIreland, commented “Clusters are a vital part of the enterprise support ecosystem, and are one of the most effective ways to build collaboration, scale and competitiveness. Our work shows there is an enormous appetite to deepen cluster activity across the island, which is why hosting the TCI Global Conference is so important. The valuable knowledge that has been shared throughout the conference will shape the future of clusters and innovation ecosystems and leave a legacy across the island.”

Linda Jamison, Head of Collaboration and Clusters, Invest Northern Ireland, said: ““Northern Ireland has been proud to be part of the TCI Network for many years, and this week’s Global Conference has been a powerful reminder of the value of those enduring international relationships. The opportunity to welcome global cluster leaders to our region has not only deepened our connections but also helped us lift our horizons. The insights and shared experiences have been instrumental in shaping our thinking and ambition for the Cluster Acceleration Programme, and in strengthening the collaborative ecosystem we’re building across sectors like advanced manufacturing, maritime offshore, and life and health sciences. It’s been an energising and affirming few days, and I’m excited about the momentum we’re generating together across the island.”

Carol Gibbons, Head of Entrepreneurship, Regions and Local Enterprise at Enterprise Ireland, said, “Clusters play a pivotal role in driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and accelerating economic growth. Hosting The TCI Global Conference on the island of Ireland this week is an exciting opportunity to highlight the dynamic and thriving ecosystem we have built across sectors such as Advanced Manufacturing, Life Sciences, and Cyber Security. The event showcases our achievements to a global audience and strengthens our international partnerships. We look forward to hearing and learning from these esteemed global leaders throughout the week to explore how clusters are tackling pressing global challenges and driving innovation."

Dr. Mirjana Prica, President of the TCI Network, which organises the conference said, "The 28th TCI Global Conference has been an unmissable knowledge-sharing event between cluster practitioners from across the world, highlighting how the collective power of many can address complex challenges, build competitiveness and create inclusive ecosystems." 

During the three-day conference, delegates will have the opportunity to learn from international best practice shared by world-leading experts and international thought leaders, and participate in interactive cluster tours, showcasing the current innovation ecosystem across the island. Dedicated workshops, aimed at local policymakers and cluster managers, will provide participants with practical tools to develop sustainable and high impact cluster programmes.

The TCI Global conference, hosted by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, is a joint all-island initiative under the clustering strand of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland. It is expected to leave a lasting legacy on the island, acting as a catalyst for the island’s cluster strategy.