About WIRE
The Week of Innovative Regions in Europe — WIRE — is the European Union’s leading policy conference dedicated to regional innovation and development. Held bi-annually under the rotating EU Council Presidency, WIRE 2026 takes place in Ireland, bringing together the continent’s most influential voices in research, regional governance, industry, and education to tackle the innovation challenges shaping Europe’s future.
Hosted by the Technological University of the Shannon under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, WIRE 2026 will examine how Europe’s regions can close the innovation divide, leverage Smart Specialisation strategies, and build stronger, more connected innovation ecosystems — from emerging regions to established innovation hubs. Whether you are a policymaker, a regional authority, a university, a startup, or an industry cluster, WIRE 2026 is the place where regional ambition meets European policy.
Three Themes. One European Agenda.
WIRE 2026 is structured around three interconnected pillars, each addressing a critical dimension of regional innovation in the European context.
Europe’s long-term competitiveness depends on ensuring every region can innovate and grow. This pillar explores how place-based innovation, smart investment, cohesion policy and regional collaboration can strengthen ecosystems, reduce disparities and unlock the full potential of all European regions.
Innovation is powered by people. This pillar focuses on developing the skills, talent and entrepreneurial mindset needed to support Europe’s green and digital transitions. Discussions will explore education, lifelong learning, research careers and stronger collaboration between education, industry and regional innovation ecosystems.
As Europe responds to global challenges, regions must become more resilient, secure and adaptable. This pillar examines how innovation can strengthen energy security, strategic technologies, digital resilience, sustainability and regional preparedness to support Europe’s long-term competitiveness and sovereignty.
Connecting Europe’s Innovation Ecosystem
Connect with Europe’s innovation community, hear from leading policymakers and experts, discover successful regional initiatives, and build partnerships that extend well beyond the conference. Built on the Quadruple Helix approach, WIRE 2026 brings together government, academia, industry and civil society to reduce fragmentation, strengthen collaboration and accelerate innovation across Europe’s regions.
An Official Irish EU Presidency Event
Hosted by Technological University of the Shannon in partnership with the European Commission and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, WIRE 2026 will bring Europe together in Limerick to shape the future of regional innovation.
PROGRAMME
Day 1 Morning — Opening Plenary
Official opening of WIRE 2026, welcome addresses, keynote presentations and high-level discussions exploring the future of regional innovation, European competitiveness and place-based innovation.
Day 1 Afternoon — Pillar 1 & 2 Sessions
Competitiveness, Cohesion, People & Skills
Interactive sessions exploring how regions can strengthen innovation ecosystems, close the regional innovation gap, and develop the skills, talent and partnerships needed to drive Europe’s future competitiveness.
Day 2 Morning — Pillar 3 Sessions
Resilience & Sovereignty
Sessions examining Europe’s future readiness through resilience, strategic technologies, sustainability, clean energy and regional collaboration.
Day 2 Afternoon — Closing Session
Bringing together the key themes from WIRE 2026, this closing plenary will reflect on conference outcomes, identify opportunities for future collaboration, and consider the role of regions in delivering a more competitive, resilient and innovative Europe.
Networking
WIRE 2026 includes a dedicated networking reception on the evening of Day 1, a hosted dinner for invited delegates
Registration & Practicalities
WIRE 2026 is an invitation-based conference with limited open registration places. Delegates represent regional authorities, national research funding agencies, higher education institutions, European Commission directorates, industry clusters, and civil society organisations. Travel and accommodation information will be published
Registration to be announced soon!
Keynote Speakers
WIRE 2026 will bring together influential voices from across government, academia, industry and regional innovation. The speaker programme is currently being finalised, with additional keynote speakers and panellists to be announced in the lead-up to the conference.
James Lawless
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Jean-David Malo
Acting Director
European Commission – DG Research and Innovation – Directorate A “ERA & Innovation”
Be part of Europe’s regional innovation conversation.
WIRE 2026 brings together the people who shape European innovation policy with the regions who deliver it. Places are limited. Register your interest now to secure your invitation and receive programme updates as they are announced.
NEWS & UPDATES
PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
WIRE 2026 is an official event of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Co-funded by the European Commission through Horizon Europe, the conference is delivered by the Technological University of the Shannon in partnership with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) and Enterprise Ireland, with additional support from Fáilte Ireland.
ORGANISER QUOTE
From the Organising Committee
“We are delighted to welcome WIRE 2026 to TUS and Limerick during Ireland’s EU Presidency. Hosting this important European conference is more than an opportunity to facilitate policy discussions—it is an opportunity to showcase TUS, our region and Ireland as a connected, outward-looking innovation ecosystem. We hope delegates leave not only with new ideas and partnerships, but also with a lasting appreciation of the innovation, research excellence and collaborative spirit that exists across our region”
Dr. Liam Brown ,
Vice President, Research, Development and Innovation,
Technological University of the Shannon
Contact us
For general enquiries about WIRE 2026, please use the contact details below or submit the form and a member of the team will respond within two working days.
registration media accreditation, or sponsors opportunities
