Synergy – Supporting Cluster Collaboration
About this good practice
Problem Addressed:
Synergy responds to the need for deeper collaboration between Ireland and Northern Ireland to address shared economic challenges and capitalise on emerging opportunities. In 2015, InterTradeIreland’s research into all-island clustering highlighted the untapped potential of cross-border sectoral ecosystems, with clear benefits for innovation, productivity, and regional competitiveness. These findings shaped Synergy’s mission to build the structured, purposeful collaborations necessary for mutual economic growth.
Implementation and Objectives:
Synergy works by identifying areas where coordinated cross-border action can make a tangible difference. It builds strategic partnerships between SMEs, industry bodies, economic development agencies, and academic institutions. It fosters collaboration where market opportunities or failures exist, by delivering structured programmes to develop all-island networks. These collaborations are designed to stimulate innovation, strengthen cross-border linkages, and create long-term economic value by embedding SME participation in these networks.
Total investment in individual projects varies from approx. €21k - €120k, project durations vary from 3 - 12 months.
Stakeholders and Beneficiaries:
InterTradeIreland leads Synergy in partnership with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (IE) and the Department for the Economy (NI). SMEs, clusters, and researchers directly benefit from its collaborative approach.
Resources needed
Synergy Costs: 1/1/22 - 31/12/24
Program Investment: Projects €1.8m + Clusters €230k
8 Staff: .5 FTE Programme Manager; 1.6 FTE Deputy Manager(s) and .05 FTE Executive Supports €780k
Other costs: Marketing, Administration and Evaluation €65k
Total costs: €2.875 million
Funded by: DETE 2/3 + DfE 1/3
Evidence of success
Synergy has supported:
• 18 cross-border projects.
• Which delivered 22 events to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Engaged over 1,400 stakeholders to address challenges such as decarbonisation, healthcare, and SME competitiveness (990 from industry, 260 from public bodies and 170 from academia).
• Produced 4 sectoral reports highlighting opportunities for growth/innovation in areas such as precision oncology, cyber, healthcare procurement, and bioeconomy.
Potential for learning or transfer
Synergy has demonstrated success across sectors e.g. cyber, manufacturing, life sciences, fintech & bio/green economy. Its approach is highly transferable to other regions seeking to foster innovation through structured collaboration.
Key transferable aspects include:
• Cross-border collaboration: Connecting clusters and networks across regions to share best practices, access new markets and suppliers, and adopt innovative business models
• Access to expertise: Facilitating research and innovation through collaboration with industry, academia, and policymakers, enhancing competitiveness and business connectivity
• Workshops and networking: Offering targeted events for peer learning, training, and collaboration that help businesses develop skills and form partnerships
• Support for business growth: Providing financial and advisory support to implement innovative projects and support scaling up
Direct supports to seek out new growth opportunities across borders can be transformative.
Further information
The Fintech Corridor | Supported by InterTradeIreland’s Synergy Programme
Images
Documents
Synergy Presentation ITI.pdf
Synergy-Flyer.pdf
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
