This is a unique event, as the all-island innovation programme is bringing perspectives from two different institutions to discuss the SME response and recovery from the pandemic.

Dr. Lawrence Dooley, University College Cork and Dr. Adam Frost, Queen's University Belfast , will go head-to-head to examine the implications of the Covid-19 crisis for the SME community. They’ll discuss how small firms can re-start, re-open, and face a new reality. Crucially they’ll also focus on future opportunities.

In this innovation session, Dr. Lawrence Dooley, UCC and Dr. Adam Frost, QUB examine the implications of the Covid-19 crisis for the SME community and the broader economy. The speakers will discuss:

1. Challenges that SMEs will face when re-opening operations;
2. Steps that management can take to aid the re-start and adapt to the new reality;
3. Supports available to nurture SME transition ;
4. Opportunities that may emerge for SMEs as a consequence of this 'unwelcome' disruptive shift to the global economy.