Panel One

Driving competitiveness to deliver investment and growth

With 153 multinationals operating in the Mid-West and employing more than 27,000 people, the region has a strong track record as a location for international investment. This panel will explore how we can build on that success and strengthen the conditions for the next wave of FDI.

Panellists will discuss the factors shaping investment decisions, including infrastructure, targeted incentives, talent and capacity building. The discussion will also consider the opportunities presented by Budget 2027 and how Ireland’s wider competitiveness agenda can support businesses to invest, expand and grow in the Mid-West.

AmCham’s latest FDI Insights Survey highlights the opportunity to build on this success, with 70% of respondents reporting that their corporate headquarters plan to continue investing in Ireland over the next five years.

Panel Two

Leveraging AI and digital to deliver the next wave of FDI

AI, digitalisation and emerging technologies are reshaping how businesses operate, invest and grow. With strong clusters in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, the Mid-West is well positioned to capture the opportunities presented by these technologies.

Ensuring the region has the skills, infrastructure and innovation ecosystem needed to support their development and adoption will be critical to sustaining growth and attracting the next wave of investment.

In a recent AmCham survey, 69% of respondents said they expect AI transformation to cause them to increase or maintain their investment in Ireland over the next five years.

This panel will explore how businesses across the Mid-West are harnessing AI and digital technologies to transform their operations, develop new capabilities and unlock opportunities for growth. Panellists will also consider the steps needed to strengthen Ireland’s digital ecosystem and enable businesses to successfully adopt and scale emerging technologies.

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