In April, The Cluster Centre was appointed to deliver the first government backed cluster training programme in Ireland.
Igniting Clusters has been designed to provide participants with global expertise and experience in cluster development, cluster concepts, cluster tools, and a cluster action pathway.
‘We are delighted with the opportunity to partner with Enterprise Ireland in shaping the next generation of cluster managers in Ireland’s cluster ecosystem, and who are connected into the global cluster ecosystem’.
Clodagh Barry

Director , The Cluster Centre

Under Project Ireland 2040, the Government identified an ambition to build sectoral clusters of Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at the regional level. This ambition will be delivered through initiatives supporting the development of business-led clustering for competitive advantage.

An initial €2.75 million budget, administered by Enterprise Ireland, on behalf of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, supports this initiative.  The Enterprise Ireland RTCF (Regional Technology Clustering Fund) supports cluster development and connectivity with, and engagement between, enterprise and regionally based knowledge providers, such as the Institutes of Technology/ Technological Universities.

”Under Project Ireland 2040 Government identified an ambition to build sectoral clusters that include Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at a regional level. This ambition will be delivered through supporting the development of business-led clustering for competitive advantage.’

‘Clustering in Ireland has started a new chapter with the development of a cadre of new Education & Outreach Managers, along with existing Clustering Managers from established clusters, across a broad range of sectors and regions, who have commenced a joint development programme and implementation planning process to grow and scale the number of companies active in clusters in Ireland.  These new Education and Outreach managers will focus on innovation; productivity; competitiveness; market development and internationalisation.’

‘This initiative is being promoted and funded through Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment to help achieve best practice in cluster development in Ireland’.’

Jerry Moloney

Director, Mid-West/Kerry Region & Regional Initiatives, Enterprise Ireland