First Derivative host Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor meeting

The fifth meeting of the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC) Industry Advisory Panel took place in Newry on Friday 6 November. It was hosted by First Derivative, an EPAM Company, at its headquarters in Marcus Square in the city, and marked the completion of the Panel’s first year of operation. Members used the meeting to set priorities for the next phase of industry engagement.

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First Derivative recently announced a £15.3 million (approx €18.3 million) investment in a new AI and Fintech Centre of Excellence in Newry. The investment will create 100 new jobs and further reinforce the region’s growing reputation as a centre for innovation and advanced digital industries.

Chris Owers, Senior Director at First Derivative, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor Industry Advisory Panel to our headquarters in Newry. Our recent investment in a new AI and Fintech Centre of Excellence reflects our confidence in the talent, innovation capability and growth potential that exists across the region.

“We welcomed the opportunity to host this important discussion on how industry can work alongside public sector and academic partners to strengthen the competitiveness and economic potential of the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor.”

The Panel was established in November 2025 and includes business and industry leaders from the Corridor, who help to shape its future development and economic growth. During its first year, industry members identified the key opportunities and challenges shaping the future success of the Corridor. Activity and engagement focused on three strategic themes: corridor branding and placemaking, enabling infrastructure, and collaboration.

Discussions have examined infrastructure and connectivity, water capacity, energy security, digital broadband infrastructure, movement of people, and investment attraction.

Looking ahead to 2027, members agreed that the focus should increasingly shift from identifying priorities to supporting delivery. The Panel will work alongside DBEC partners to champion the infrastructure, investment and collaboration needed to support growth, while helping raise the Corridor’s profile as a location for business to locate and grow, innovation to happen and enterprise to thrive. A particular focus will be placed on strengthening engagement with businesses in the region and using industry networks and expertise to identify opportunities for growth, investment and partnership.

Chair of the DBEC Industry Advisory Panel, David Conway, said: “It has been a busy and productive first year for the Industry Advisory Panel, and I would like to thank the valuable contributions from across industry members, helping to shape our understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the Corridor.

“This input has informed our priorities across three core pillars: infrastructure, communication and collaboration. The next phase will focus on translating these insights into practical action. We will champion the infrastructure investment needed to support growth, strengthen communication and promotion with businesses and partners to highlight the true potential of the corridor, and foster collaboration across all sectors to promote the Corridor as a location for investment, innovation and enterprise, and a great place to do business.

“Our shared ambition is to develop a more connected, competitive and internationally recognised economic region from Dublin to Belfast, supporting investment, employment and sustainable economic growth across the Corridor.”

Further information about the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor is available at www.dbec.info. .