28th TCI Global Conference in Dublin this October
World-leading experts announced for island of Ireland’s inaugural clustering conference
A world-class line-up of experts and international thought leaders has been confirmed for the 28th TCI Global Conference, the flagship event for clusters and innovation ecosystems, taking place at Dublin’s Royal Convention Centre from 14-16th October.
The event is a must-attend for industry leaders, cluster members, policymakers, academics, and researchers, offering insights into economic development, competitiveness, and sustainability. Keynote speakers include:
- Dr Christian Ketels, renowned economist and competitiveness expert Arantxa Tapia, former Basque Government Minister for Economic Development, Sustainability, and the Environment
- Dr Mark Esposito, economist and public policy expert, Harvard faculty
- Arantxa Tapia, Former Minister for Economic Development, Sustainability, and the Environment in the Basque Government
- Mariella Masselink, Head of the Industrial Forum, Alliances, Clusters Unit, European Commission
- Joan Martí Estévez, cluster practitioner, delivering a plenary on clusters as tools for business growth and regional balance
Hosted by ‘The Positive Economist’ Susan Hayes-Culleton, the conference blends strategic presentations and panel discussions with hands-on engagement through cluster visits and interactive workshops.
Dr Ketels said: “Ireland has benefited greatly from past globalisation, but the current global economic environment is uncertain. Cluster-based economic development drives dialogue across public and private sectors, creates shared value, and helps regions respond to changing markets. The TCI Conference is a key opportunity to showcase Ireland’s approach internationally.”
Alison Currie, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at InterTradeIreland, lead delivery partner of the conference, added: “The calibre of speakers reflects the depth of expertise in the global cluster community. Delegates will gain insights, inspiration, and practical tools to strengthen cluster ecosystems worldwide.”
Patricia Valdenebro, CEO of the TCI Network, said the programme provides “real-life examples of clustering benefits, equipping delegates to develop bold strategies that drive transformation, resilience, and sustainable growth.”
Carol Gibbons, Head of Entrepreneurship, Regions and Local Enterprise at Enterprise Ireland, highlighted the relevance of international expertise across advanced manufacturing, AI, and sustainability, noting it will inform delegates on tackling global challenges through clusters.
Paul Gunn, Alternative Funding Manager at Invest Northern Ireland, said: “The impressive speaker line-up will foster discussion, build relationships, and showcase our clusters globally, leaving delegates inspired with new ideas for collaboration.”
With its mix of international visionaries and homegrown talent, the TCI Global Conference promises to be a landmark event for anyone focused on collaborative economic growth and building all-island and international partnerships.
Hosted by InterTradeIreland, in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland under the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, the conference now has registrations open at www.tciglobalconference.com
