Enterprise Ireland’s new strategy to tap into multi-billion euro emerging markets

1 Jun 2013

Enterprise Ireland has established a new clustering programme aimed at ensuring Irish firms target the billions of euros worth of opportunities in emerging markets, particularly those funded by international financing institutions like the World Bank and European Commission.

The clustering programme called ConsultingIreland will help Irish exporters tap into these emerging markets.

ConsultingIreland will deliver a nine-month training and mentoring programme for interested companies.

The programme will kick-off in September and applications from interested parties are welcome right now.

Global opportunities being missed

In the post-Celtic Tiger business landscape, countries such as Denmark are now winning 10 times the business Ireland achieves, warned Seamus McCann, chairman, ConsultingIreland.

“We are able to identify global business opportunities across all major sectors and mentor companies to address the market, to help close this significant gap on European partner countries.

“The objective of ConsultingIreland is to develop a strategy to regain the status and share of these ever-increasing market opportunities and help job creation for all sectors of the Irish economy. The development of these clusters must be a key part of our industrial strategy,” McCann said.

The clustering network will have both a national and international dimension and as part of this drive the first international agreement will be signed at the launch between ConsultingIreland and Alsace International, which is one of the most ‘internationally-active’ of the French regions. Further co-operation agreements will follow with other national and regional associations involved in international projects.

“This is a very welcome initiative that is all about encouraging business to look outwards in building links and co-operating with other companies on issues of mutual benefit,” said Julie Sinnamon, executive director in charge of Global Business Development at Enterprise Ireland.

“By engaging in collaborative activities, companies can ultimately improve their own productivity and expertise, and operate more effectively to win increasing business,” Sinnamon said.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com