Ireland’s Midlands Region has once again been recognised as a ‘European Region of the Future’ by the Financial Times, earning a prestigious ranking in fDi Intelligence’s latest assessment of FDI Strategy in Europe.
In the 2025 rankings, the Midlands region climbed six places to secure 2nd position in Europe in the Small European Regions category for FDI Strategy. This recognition highlights the region’s exceptional performance in attracting foreign direct investment and its ambitious roadmap for continued economic growth, as outlined in the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan (MREP).
Enterprise in the Midlands is thriving, thanks to the collective efforts of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee, which brings together key stakeholders from Enterprise, Government, Technological University of the Shannon, Midlands Regional Skills Forum and the regions’ Education and Training Boards.
A Dynamic Region, Located in the Heart of Ireland
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD, welcomed the accolade, stating:
“I am delighted that the Midlands has been recognised by the Financial Times as a ‘European Region of the Future’ for 2025. This dynamic region, located in the heart of Ireland, presents incredible opportunities for inward investment, economic expansion, and business growth. I want to commend all stakeholders involved in the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan, especially Chair Dr. Anne Cusack and Programme Manager Sarah Morgan, whose dedication and vision have contributed to this achievement.”
Dr. Anne Cusack, Chair of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan, emphasised the significance of this recognition:
“Being named one of Europe’s top Small Regions of the Future is a reflection of the commitment and collaboration driving economic growth in the Midlands. As Ireland’s most connected region, we continue to capitalise on opportunities for sustainable development, digital innovation, and placemaking.”
In terms of foreign direct investment in the region, there are 52 IDA Ireland client companies located in the Midlands, employing over 8,000 people, with a steady increase in employment of 35% over the past six years and annual exports totally €2.7 billion. The pool of companies is extremely diverse, spanning technology, medtech, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and business services.
Growth in indigenous businesses has also been robust, with Enterprise Ireland client companies showing increased employment numbers in 2024 and Local Enterprise Offices in the region reporting consistent employment growth in recent years. This upward trajectory reflects a sustained trend of increasing employment participation in the Midlands.
Strategic Priorities Driving Regional Success
The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan (MREP) sets out three strategic priorities, supported by ten key actions, to foster regional growth and investment:
- Transition to a net-zero carbon region
- Smart specialisation in key sectors, leveraging regional strengths in ICT, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Food & Drink
- Placemaking, positioning the Midlands as a prime location for investment, business, and talent
The region’s high-growth sectors are supported by strong industry clusters/networks in Advanced Manufacturing, ICT, Engineering, and Food & Drink. Through the Midlands Ireland platform (www.midlandsireland.ie), the region continues to promote itself as a top destination for living, working, visiting, studying, and investing.
The Midlands also leads in digital transformation, with the Midlands ICT Network driving innovation across all industries and fostering Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) education at the primary and secondary levels. The region is currently the overall winner of the .ie Digital Town Awards for initiatives in digital education and future skills.
A Strong Support Network for Business and Innovation
The Midlands’ robust enterprise support network ensures businesses have access to essential resources and infrastructure. This includes Enterprise Agencies, Local Enterprise Offices, Chamber organisations, and the Midlands Network of Co-Working Facilities, which offers over 30 landing space locations.
Collaboration between industry, academia, and government remains a key driver of success. Institutions such as the Technological University of the Shannon, the Midlands Regional Skills Forum, and regional Education and Training Boards are working closely with businesses to align skills development with evolving industry needs.
Additionally, the region boasts a network of leading research hubs, including IMR Irish Manufacturing Research, FactoryXChange, i-LOFAR, APT Applied Polymer Technologies, PRISM Polymer Research, MIRC Midlands Innovation Research Centre, SRI Software Research Institute, and COMAND Connected Media Application Design & Delivery Gateway. These centres play a pivotal role in fostering innovation and technological advancement.
With its strong ecosystem of enterprise support, a strategic focus on sustainability and digitalisation, and a collaborative approach to economic growth, the Midlands is well-positioned for continued success in 2025 and beyond.
For more on investing in the Midlands region, see https://www.midlandsireland.ie/business/
