The Western Development Commission (WDC) was proud to participate in the 10th Interceltic Business Forum in Lorient, France, joining business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and innovators from across the Celtic nations to explore opportunities for greater regional collaboration and economic growth. The Forum marked its tenth anniversary as part of the Festival Interceltique de Lorient, bringing together representatives from Ireland, Brittany, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall and the Isle of Man to strengthen economic links and share innovative approaches to regional development.
WDC CEO Allan Mulrooney represented the organisation alongside Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Frank Feighan TD. Together, they highlighted how the West of Ireland is taking a regional approach to artificial intelligence, showcasing the region’s growing innovation ecosystem and the role of collaboration in supporting balanced regional development.
The Forum explored a wide range of topics shaping the future of Celtic economies, including artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, maritime innovation, renewable energy, international trade and regional cooperation. It also featured the Interceltic Startup Challenge, where emerging companies from each Celtic nation showcased innovative solutions with global potential.
As a long-standing supporter of the Interceltic Business Forum, the WDC continues to play an active role in strengthening relationships between the Celtic regions. These partnerships create valuable opportunities for businesses, Connected Hubs, innovators and regional stakeholders to exchange knowledge, develop new collaborations and build stronger international networks.
Events like the Interceltic Business Forum provide an important platform to build international partnerships, exchange ideas and showcase the innovation, talent and ambition that exists across the West and North West. The WDC looks forward to continuing to develop these relationships and creating new opportunities for regional collaboration in the years ahead.
