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What is the EER?

Winning this award demonstrates that this region’s innovation system has a rich set of assets – skilled, creative and entrepreneurial people; with strong research and tertiary institutions.

“Place matters in innovation. So do People”.

It demonstrates it is a place where ‘New’ ideas flourish, and where the capability to translate them into innovative goods, services, processes or markets exist.

Supported by a thriving and vibrant network that supports the sharing of knowledge and resources by a diverse range of players, including rms, suppliers, employees, universities, agencies, incubation spaces and research institutes.

“The EER is a project run by the Committee of the Regions, which is one of the 7 pillar institutions of the European Union. The Committee of the Regions, identifies and awards an EU region which shows an outstanding and innovative approach to Entrepreneurial supports and activities, irrespective of its size or wealth”

The idea of an “entrepreneurial region” can cover a broad range of different styles, sectors and outcomes.

It can refer to a place where commercial breakthroughs by world-famous multinational companies occur, or where groundbreaking research is carried out by universities and the public sector, or the places where new ideas are created by startups and entrepreneurs.

That place is our region. Our companies, Our University, Our Institutes of Technology, Our Business People, Our Services and our Entrepreneurs. We have it all and the EER 2018 recognises this.

Our application was supported by the then Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Minister Ring, MEPs, All LA s in the region and indeed all the relevant National, Regional, Local and Sectoral stakeholders who work directly and indirectly with our region’s Entrepreneurs.

What Now?

Let’s get every enterprise, community and business representative promoting this region. Why not download the EER Logo (hyperlink) and use it promoting your business, or download and hear from other ambassadors. With a Foreward by Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humhreys T.D this short piece gives an insight into the level of activity across our ambitious region

Read or Download the Brochure

Eight counties, one city and an entrepreneurial story like no other. Read about the European Entrepreneurial Region 2018 and delve into the success stories of our ambassadors. 

Right Click to download the EER Logo

“The EER 2018 title is recognition for the Business People from the Northern and Western part of Ireland, through the ingenuity, spirit and hard work of our Entrepreneurs, coupled with the supports provided by Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices we are now recognised worldwide as a region open for business and thriving in the European and Global Economy. Our geographical location and economic challenges over the last ten years have made the life of an entrepreneur in the Northern and Western Region very difficult, but we used our adversities to highlight our resourcefulness in the region and how Ireland and in particular the Northern and Western Region are now seeing unprecedented levels of entrepreneurial activity.

Today SMEs account for 99.8% of all enterprise in Ireland and employ more than 70% of the work force. Our region is one of the most vibrant and creative places in the world. From family-run enterprises to innovative new technologies, entrepreneurship underpins the success of our communities and resilience of our people. There are six high technology clusters in our region: Medical Devices, Biopharmaceuticals, Chemical and Materials Processing, Computer Hardware Manufacturing, Software and Communications Services.

The North Atlantic Ocean remains the dominant geographic influence and bestows enormous opportunities in Agriculture, Food, Tourism, Energy and Marine sectors. The Northern and Western region is home to the Best Micro City in Europe, Coolest Place on the Planet and Best Place to Live in Ireland. All of which helped secure the Title of EER 2018.”

Brendan MooneyEU Programmes Executive, NWRA
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Further Information

Brendan Mooney
EU Programmes Executive
Northern and Western Regional Assembly
The Square
Ballaghaderreen
Co Roscommon

Tel: Direct Line 094 9877251
Tel: Main Switch 094 9862970

Email: bmooney@nwra.ie

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