Cluster leaders, policymakers and practitioners across Ireland are being invited to register for a two-day conference examining how stronger clusters can support innovation, competitiveness and economic growth.

The Shared Island Cluster Leadership Conference 2027 will take place at the Ballymascanlon Hotel in Dundalk on 2–3 February. Under the theme "Unlocking the Potential of Clusters: From Ambition to Impact", international experts and practitioners will examine the roles of leadership, collaboration and policy in strengthening cluster organisations.

The event will draw on experience from across Europe, where more than 1,250 cluster organisations connect around 155,000 members, almost 79% of them SMEs. It will explore practical lessons for building sustainable cluster ecosystems throughout Ireland.

Delegates will also hear findings and policy recommendations from the Interreg Europe Accelerate GDT project. European experts will share insights into how cluster policy can support the green and digital transitions.

The conference is being delivered through the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme's Clusters and Networks initiative by InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. It is funded by the Government of Ireland's Shared Island Fund.

Keynote speakers will include Ásta Kristín Sigurjónsdóttir, CEO of the Iceland Tourism Cluster, and Annie Renders, Head of the Cluster Policy Unit at Flanders Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Other experts will address cluster development, innovation, regional economic growth and collaboration.

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The programme will feature case studies, strategic discussions, panels, networking and workshops, with a focus on 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."

Registration is open, with organisers encouraging early booking because places are limited. Further information is available at www.intertradeireland.com.