Professor John McHale, Established Professor of Economics and Dean of the College of Business, Public Policy, and Law at the National University of Ireland, Galway, delivered a morning masterclass, at Riddel Hall, Queen’s University Belfast on Thursday 9th March 2017. Guests arrived for registration, refreshments and networking at 10.00am, to participate in the main seminar from 10.30am – 1.00pm.

The masterclass entitled ‘Growth and Innovation Models for Challenging Times’ explored the current state of Irish economic development models and discussed the challenges that recent political events such Brexit and the election of President Trump may bring.

In his presentation Professor McHale explored responses to such challenges. He stated that the international economic and financial crisis led to a shift in emphasis from innovation-driven growth to a more direct focus on job creation, and highlighted the importance of national innovation systems.

The event was attended by 45 delegates representing a range of industries and sectors across Northern Ireland.