STIMULATING AND SUPPORTING NEW BUSINESS IN IRELAND

Cross Border Business Innovation Centre Officially Launched

By James Donlon, December 7, 2004

Micheál Martin, T.D. Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, has officially launched the Cross Border Business Innovation Centre, at Letterkenny Institute of Technology. In his speech he highlighted 'The development of the Cross-Border Business and Innovation Centre as an example of how we can harness cross-border cooperation to our mutual benefit. It will facilitate the development of company-to-company cross-border trade, joint ventures, cross-border clusters and joint delivery of innovation focused programmes. We have heard of the benefits available to SMEs in the North-West region and I would encourage businesses in the region that wish to develop a cross-border opportunity to tap into this dedicated resource and expertise that will be available to them.'

'Cross-border cooperation is making a valuable economic contribution to the North-West region and across the island of Ireland. One of the benefits of the peace process over the past decade has been the expansion of the level of trade between North and South. The extent of the growth in North/South trade can perhaps best be illustrated by the fact that over the past ten years the total level of trade between the two parts of the island has grown by 35 per cent. In 2003 the value of cross-border trade on the island was €2.4 billion.'

The Cross Border Business Innovation Centre is a dynamic, information business hub to facilitate collaboration between companies North and South to take advantage of external markets. This will take shape in a number of ways through shared information, mentoring and by facilitating cooperation between complementary businesses North and South using technologies such as digital and the web. The Centre draws on a wealth of knowledge and expertise that has been accumulated over time. One of the most exciting elements of the Innovation Centre is an interactive cluster web site - eClusterNet where businesses can automatically be connected with other complementary businesses cross border, view tenders and exchange up to the minute information in various industries.

Ultan Faherty, WESTBIC explained; ‘This event launches an exciting new Information Centre for business in the border regions, North and South. It is the first of its kind in the NW and as such will use new technology such as broadband, the web and 3G to give the businesses in this region a competitive advantage. Above all it is about providing relevant information so that companies can maximize opportunities in local and European markets. ‘

Tim Kelley, Noribic added, 'There is real room for companies through-out the island not just in border counties to collaborate with each other in order to improve research and development, to identify new markets and ultimately to add value to their businesses. We’ve found that all you have to do is bring relevant experience, skills and industries together, the businesses themselves spot the scale of the opportunity and they do the rest!'

In true virtual style, The Cross Border Business Innovation Centre was launched simultaneously at events in Letterkenny and Derry, linked electronically between the two venues via the internet.

A number of speakers from European and local businesses further outlined how the Cross Border Business Innovation Centre can be used to facilitate and grow business both nationally and throughout Europe. ‘Since the North West represents a large area where there are more and more businesses offering a variety of products and services, The Cross Border Innovation Centre is a catalyst for these businesses to connect and strengthen their offering - fast. It really speeds up the connections so that opportunities can be grasped. We have found from our experience this is essential targeting European markets.’ said Philippe Vanrie, Managing Director, EBN.

The Cross Border Innovation Centre is open to all businesses who wish to connect with suppliers and contacts North and South. Just contact WESTBIC’s Letterkenny office to tap into this valuable resource.

Pictured is Barney Toal, CEO, Noribic with Joe Greaney, Director, WESTBIC through video-conference link at recent launch of Cross Border Business Innovation Centre.