Panel
Discussions
Panel Two
Ireland's potential as a European leader on digital & AI
There is huge opportunity for Ireland in to be a leader in digital transformation, AI and digital regulation.
In a recent AmCham survey, 44 percent of respondents said that are carrying out research projects in the area of A.I. 44 percent of respondents also said that they expect developments in A.I. to enhance their investment in Ireland in the next 5 years.
Furthermore, Ireland plays a key role as digital regulatory hub in Europe with regulatory expertise developed within Ireland greatly enhanced by the presence of many US MNCs.
This panel will explore the opportunities for Ireland to enhance its position as an EU digital regulatory hub, the importance of investment in digital skills and digital literacy to drive innovation and the adoption in emerging technologies and the key priorities for business in establishing Ireland as a digital centre of excellence.
Panel One
Ireland's role in the future of FDI on a global stage
The US-Ireland business relationship is a key cornerstone of Ireland’s FDI success.
There are now more than 970 US companies with operations in Ireland, employing 378,000 people directly and indirectly.
Furthermore, Ireland is now the 6th largest investor in the US, with more than 500 Irish companies employing almost 100,000 people across all 50 states - highlighting the two-way nature of this relationship.
With 9 in 10 respondents to an AmCham survey saying they have a positive view of Ireland as an investment location, this panel will look at the key opportunities for Ireland to enhance its competitiveness for business. It will also highlight the opportunities for the continued growth of Irish investment into the US market and Ireland’s role as the main economic bridge between the US and the EU.
Fireside Chat Two
Strengthening Ireland-US relations in a post-election environment
This fireside chat will explore the historically strong relationship between Ireland and the US that is underpinned by deep economic, diplomatic and cultural ties.
Over consecutive government administrations this mutually beneficial, two-way relationship has continued to grow. In 2023, the United States was Ireland's largest export market, with exports reaching €54 billion. Meanwhile, Ireland ranked as the 7th largest foreign investor in the US, reinforcing the reciprocal nature of this dynamic economic connection.
As the only common law, English-speaking country in the European Union, Ireland also serves as a key bridge to the broader European market for US businesses. This discussion will focus on how we can continue to strengthen and enhance this relationship.
Panel Three
Ireland as a leading RD&I location for FDI
This panel will explore Ireland’s potential to become a distinguished centre for research excellence on the global stage.
Ireland has a thriving eco-system of US multinational companies. In a recent AmCham survey, almost half of respondents said that they already have a dedicated research function in Ireland. Such operations represent high value investments and further US-Ireland R&D collaboration can be of great benefit to Ireland’s economy. This will also bolster the overall research ecosystem, supporting collaboration with higher education institutions and driving indigenous innovation.
This panel will explore the importance of alignment between funding opportunities and research priorities in strengthening Ireland’s ability to provide a vibrant research ecosystem that positively impacts Irish society and industry.
Panel Four
Delivering infrastructure to provide for Ireland's continued growth
As Ireland prepares to be home to a population of 8 million people by 2050, we must ensure the delivery of vital infrastructure projects that will support Ireland into the future.
Ensuring the security of supply of energy, water and wastewater, delivering the required levels of housing, ensuring supply-chains are protected, and advancing necessary transport infrastructure will all be essential in providing for Ireland’s future business and community growth.
This provision of vital infrastructure is not only a key economic enabler but also key to supporting the future business needs of US multinationals in Ireland.
Fireside Chat One
AmCham’s key priorities for 2025
Following a year of major elections globally, including in Ireland, the US and the EU, and the publication of AmCham’s 2025-2027 strategy, AmCham’s President and Vice President will discuss their key priorities for representing AmCham and our members for 2025.
We will also hear about AmCham’s upcoming engagements in the US as part of its annual outreach during the St. Patrick’s week programme of activities.
