In her address to the Central Bank Conference, Dr Orlaigh Quinn, Interim Director General of the IIEA, explores how Ireland and Europe can create the conditions for innovation to thrive. She argues that the challenge is not a lack of ideas, but the need to help innovative firms start, scale and stay in Europe.

The speech examines three key priorities: deepening the European Single Market, mobilising investment and risk capital, and using the State strategically to enable innovation and growth. Dr Quinn also considers the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence, the role of pension and private investment, and the importance of regulation in building trust in the financial system.

At its core, the speech makes the case that innovation and trust must go hand in hand - supported by stronger investment channels, effective regulation and an environment where technological progress can deliver broadly shared prosperity.