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About the Conference
is a European initiative funded by the Digital Europe Programme, delivered by a consortium of academic institutions, SME networks, and training organisations from across Europe, including partners from Spain, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Ireland, Lithuania and Finland. Together, we’re tackling one of the most pressing challenges facing small and medium-sized enterprises today: the digital skills gap.
Join us for the Final Project EAGLE Conference, themed:
“Bridging the Digital Skills Gap: Empowering SMEs for the Future”
This high-impact event will showcase innovative strategies, practical tools, and collaborative solutions to help SMEs thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
Who Should Attend?
- SME owners & managers
- Industry professionals
- Educators & trainers
- Policy makers
- Chambers of Commerce
- Enterprise Ireland
- Regional Skills Forums
- EU Digital Programme stakeholders
Whether you're driving digital transformation in your organisation or shaping policy at a regional or national level, this conference offers valuable insights and networking opportunities.
📅 Date: Thursday, 20th November 2025
📍 Location: ɫƵ, Ireland
💻 Format: Attend in person or join select sessions remotely
Conference Highlights:
- Business Networking Breakfast with Workshop related to ‘Skills That Matter’ and preparing SMEs for the digital future.
- Conference Keynote by Tim Crowe, CEO of WorxFlo: “AI and Supply Chain Digitalisation: Practical Insights for SMEs”
- Panel Discussion: “Collaborating for Digital Success”. This panel will explore how strategic partnerships between industry, academia, and training networks can drive meaningful digital transformation for SMEs
- Presentation of Project EAGLE outcomes and recommendations
- European and Local supports available for SMEs in 2026 and beyond
- Networking opportunities
For more information, please contact:
Rhoda Sohun
Project Manager, EU Projects
Graduate and Professional Studies, ɫƵ
EMAIL: Rhoda.Sohun@ul.ie
You can register for the Business Networking Breakfast & Workshop or Project Eagle Conference or Both
Conference Schedule
Business Networking Breakfast & Workshop (hosted by Skillnet Ireland) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 08:00–08:30&Բ; | Breakfast & Networking | Informal session at the ɫƵ, offers early networking opportunities for attendees |
| 08:30–09:30&Բ; | Workshop: Skills that Matter: Preparing SMEs for the Digital Future | Facilitated by Áine Barry (Linear Expression), this interactive session will explore the evolving digital skills landscape and identify key SME needs. |
Project Eagle Conference | ||
|---|---|---|
| 09:30–10:00&Բ; | Tea/Coffee & Registration | |
| 10:00–10:15&Բ; | Welcome | Geraldine Carroll, Associate Vice President, Graduate and Professional Studies at University |
| 10:15–10:45&Բ; | Keynote Address | “AI and Supply Chain Digitalisation: Practical Insights for SMEs” by Tim Crowe, CEO of WorxFlo. |
| 10:45–11:30&Բ; | Panel Discussion: “Collaborating for Digital Success”
| Panel Discussion will explore how partnerships between industry, academia, and training networks can accelerate SME digital transformation. Panel:
Facilitated by David Moloney, Digital Skills Development Lead, Centre for Transformative Learning (CTL) ɫƵ. |
| 11:30–11:45&Բ; | Tea/Coffee & Networking | |
| 11:45–12.15&Բ; |
| Nadja Kernchen, Policy Officer – EU Policies (CNECT.DDG2.G.2 - Interactive Technologies, Digital for Culture and Education) Bruno Baruque Zanon, Project Coordinator, UBU |
| 12.15-13.00 | Project EAGLE Recommendations | Florence Harmelin Magee, EU Projects and Partnership Manager, Skillnet Ireland Sakshi Lamba, Ph.D., EU Projects Specialist, Skillnet Ireland |
| 13:00–14:00&Բ; | Lunch, Networking & Reflecting. “Your Voice on Project EAGLE’s Recommendations” | Over lunch, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on the recommendations presented in the previous session and cast their votes, helping further inform the final report of Project EAGLE. |
| 14:00–14.30&Բ; | Supports for 2026 and Beyond | Joe Leddin, Mid-West Regional Skills Forum Manager Darran Diskin, National Cyber Security Centre, NCP Digital Europe |
| 14:30–14.45&Բ; | Closing Remarks | Michael Hennessy, Professional Education Manager, Graduate & Professional Studies, ɫƵ. Bruno Baruque Zanon, Project Eagle Coordinator UBU |
