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Approaches to business supports and competitiveness on the Island of Ireland 

Competitiveness, Common Purpose and What Works. A study to understand better the landscape for entrepreneurship, business startup, early-stage scaling businesses and indigenous firm growth in Northern Ireland and Ireland. Published: August 2025 

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New report recommends a series of actions to stimulate further economic collaboration across the island

A new report from InterTradeIreland calls for a shared, long-term approach to enterprise development on the island of Ireland. The study, led by Steer Economic Development, outlines actionable recommendations to boost productivity, streamline business supports, and enhance collaboration on skills and innovation planning between Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

Through extensive stakeholder engagement and benchmarking against international best practice, the report highlights the strengths of the existing business support offering, but also points out that it can be difficult for SMEs across the island to navigate.  

Key recommendations from the report include: 

  • Establishing an All-Island Economic Policy Forum to coordinate joint responses to economic challenges such as competitiveness and skills development. 
  • Implementing a Shared Ecosystem Model, inspired by international frameworks such as Babson’s Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Platform (BEEP), to better align business supports. 
  • Renewed investment in cross-border clusters and industry networks to leverage economies of scale and foster innovation. 
  • Promoting Procurement-Led Innovation by leveraging government procurement as a catalyst for SME growth.

Download a copy of the full report: Approaches to business supports and competitiveness on the Island of Ireland

Our research can inform your decision making   Our All-Island Business Monitor is the largest and most comprehensive quarterly business survey on the island, covering business owner’s views from both Northern Ireland and Ireland.   Stay up-to-date with the latest results and get analysis from leading economists by subscribing today.