Cluster development on island of Ireland takes step forward following global cluster conference
October 2025 saw more than 230 people from over 20 countries descend on the island of Ireland for the flagship event in clusters and innovation ecosystems from TCI Network - the 28th TCI Global Conference.
Under the theme, ‘Building a Global Economy’, the three-day event showcased the thriving innovation and cluster ecosystem across the island to an international and home audience. Notably, it was also the first time the conference was hosted across two jurisdictions.
During sector-specific cluster tours on day one of the event, delegates had the opportunity to see first-hand the activity and work of some of the leading clusters across the advanced manufacturing, cyber security and fintech, health and life science, and maritime and offshore wind sectors. These tours spanned across the island from Dublin to Belfast and Portlaoise to Mullingar.
Following the success of the cluster tours, delegates enjoyed the two-day conference featuring a lineup of world-leading experts and international thought leaders including Dr Christian Ketels, Arantxa Tapia-Otaegi, Joan Marti Estevez, Mariella Masselink and Dr Mark Esposito who presented across topics including macro global trends, regional resilience, sustainable economic growth and the future of cluster ecosystems.
Further reinforcing the importance of developing the cluster ecosystems and cluster policy across the island of Ireland, which features in both Programmes for Government, was the attendance of the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, who opened the first day of the conference. The Taoiseach announced a new cluster programme committed to the establishment of cluster organisations at national level, which he said would “scale impact and international visibility to improve competitiveness.”
First Minister, Michelle O’Neill joined the Taoiseach in opening the conference, which was also supported on day three by Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD.
Through the conference’s keynote speeches, plenary panel discussions and breakout sessions, delegates had the opportunity to explore the practical, inclusive and sustainable strategies for clustering as tools to accelerate regional innovation and economic transformation. They also experienced the warm and vibrant hospitality which the island of Ireland is famous for during two networking events at The Church in Dublin and the Guinness Storehouse.
When asked about their key takeaways from the conference, delegates commented on the enthusiasm of the cluster network and the relations between clusters, policy makers, academics and businesses, which was evident over the three days. This is despite the cluster ecosystem across the island of Ireland being relatively fresh compared to more established global cluster landscapes.
Delegates also commented on how cluster activity on the island is maximising and successfully coordinating cross-border collaborative working, how it is focusing on future-oriented initiatives, and also the importance of both clustering and innovation skills development initiatives.
The 28th TCI Global Conference has marked a significant step forward in improving the future prosperity and economic development across the island by using clusters and cluster initiatives, and its legacy will continue.
As the event came to a close, the island of Ireland handed over the honour of hosting to the 2026 hosts, the Province of Córdoba, Argentina. We look forward to following the progress of the 29th TCI Global Conference and wish the new hosts well with their preparations.
Watch our TCI highlights video below
The 28th TCI Global Conference was hosted by InterTradeIreland, in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland as part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland.
