InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland have announced that The TCI Network’s annual Global Cluster Conference will be hosted in Dublin later this year as a joint all-island initiative under the all-island clustering strand of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme.
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 have higher levels of innovation and grow at a faster rate. The island of Ireland has several cluster groups, in sectors including Advanced Manufacturing, Life and Health Sciences, Fintech and Cyber Security.
The 28th TCI Global conference will take place at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre from 14th -16th October 2025 with local and international attendees also participating in cluster tours across both Ireland and Northern Ireland.
This collaboration across borders and between different economic agencies highlights the unique offering that the island of Ireland presents with Northern Ireland and Ireland working together for the mutual benefit of both economies. Working across borders is also a first for TCI Network, and attendees can expect to gain invaluable insights into cross-border collaboration and economic success stories through the lens of clustering.
Under the title “Clusters: Sustaining a Global Open Economy,” the conference will explore how governments, businesses, universities, NGOs, and individuals can work together to tackle big global challenges, and how clusters can act as catalysts and key drivers for economic transformation. The conference programme will focus on building partnerships, both cross-border and international, and provide opportunities for networking, collaborations and learning from a myriad of international cluster experts as well as local leaders. Key themes such as the impact of clusters on FDI and how clusters can help to address skills gaps will be on the agenda.
Businesses that participate in clusters have higher levels of productivity, innovation and resilience. We are delighted to bring the TCI Global Conference to the island of Ireland and showcase the innovative clustering practices that have contributed to economic success here. This conference will also provide a platform for discussions on maximising economic growth and how we can collaborate across the island to further develop world leading cluster groups.
Margaret Hearty, Chief Executive of InterTradeIreland
Hosting the TCI Global Conference is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland’s thriving innovation ecosystem. Clusters play a vital role in driving economic growth, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing our global competitiveness. Northern Ireland has a strong track record in building clusters and this event will provide a platform to demonstrate this expertise and highlight how fostering strong, interconnected clusters can create new opportunities for businesses, academia, and investors alike.
Keiran Donoghue, CEO of Invest Northern Ireland
Clusters play a pivotal role in driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and accelerating economic growth. Hosting The TCI Global Conference on the island of Ireland 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. This event will not only showcase our achievements but also strengthen our cross-border and international partnerships. We look forward to welcoming global leaders and experts to Dublin to explore how clusters can tackle pressing challenges and drive transformative growth.
Kevin Sherry, Incoming Interim CEO of Enterprise Ireland
Ticketing information will be released in due course. To stay up to date with the latest information please visit www.intertradeireland/synergy
