Leaning into Sector Strengths: Building Resilient Innovation Economies
Fireside Chat: Leaning into Sector Strengths – Building Resilient Innovation Economies
Every thriving innovation ecosystem has a story — one shaped by the sectors where its people, research, and capital naturally converge. From advanced manufacturing and defense tech to AI, life sciences, and climate innovation, regional economies are increasingly focusing on their sectoral strengths to build resilience and attract sustainable investment.
In this session, we’ll explore how leaders are identifying and amplifying their strongest industries through data, collaboration, and storytelling. You’ll hear how ecosystems are:
Using data to validate and promote key industry clusters
Building partnerships between corporates, startups, and universities
Turning regional expertise into a strategic global differentiator
Balancing specialization with diversification for long-term resilience
Speakers:
Gavin Smyth — Tech Ecosystem Manager, Glasgow City Council
Gavin leads Glasgow’s innovation and startup strategy, working across the city’s advanced manufacturing, clean tech, fintech, and health innovation clusters. He drives collaboration between universities, corporates, founders, and government partners to strengthen Glasgow’s position as one of the UK’s leading tech hubs.
Richard Chénier — General Manager, Québec Tech
A key figure in Canada’s innovation landscape, Richard supports founders, accelerators, research partners, and corporates across Québec’s deep-tech, AI, life sciences, and industrial innovation sectors. His work focuses on helping regional strengths scale nationally and globally.
Who should attend:
Economic development leaders, innovation ecosystem builders, university and research partners, corporates, and anyone focused on transforming regional industries into engines of innovation and growth.
Hosted by:
Darren Stauffer, Dealroom.co
Dealroom supports more than 100 tech ecosystems worldwide, helping regions accelerate development through better data, insights, and strategic storytelling.