As global trade norms undergo a fundamental shift, Michael Lohan examines Ireland’s strategic evolution within an increasingly volatile EU-US corridor. This keynote addresses the critical dual mandate: navigating the complexities of shifting EU trade policy while aggressively scaling next-generation indigenous enterprises to secure Ireland’s long-term competitive edge.

From critical infrastructure and defence capabilities to skills development, this panel will explore how Ireland and the EU are leveraging sovereign wealth to drive competitiveness and will discuss the long-term strategies shaping Europe’s economic and strategic future. How nations are reshaping public investment at times of upheaval.

As tariffs, regulation, and geopolitical risk reshape global trade, business resilience is a strategic imperative. This panel explores how leaders are redesigning supply chains through digitisation, automation, and smarter compliance, balancing cost, speed, and sustainability while applying hard-won lessons from recent global disruptions.

With global trade evolving fast, successful expansion now demands strategic diversification as much as reach. This discussion looks beyond traditional EU–US routes to high-growth markets in APAC and the Middle East, and how Ireland’s leadership in tech and sustainability is helping businesses scale smarter and de-risk global growth.