Examining the feasibility of a Smart Region approach in the North West Atlantic and Borders Region of Ireland

• Main Authors: Ó Brolcháin, Niall, Ojo, Adegboyega, Porwol, Lukasz, Minton, David, Barry, Clodagh
• Format: Book Part
• Language: English
• Published: Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) 2018
• Subjects: North West Atlantic
• Online Access: https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/13374/; https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/13374/1/AO_school%20of%20business_examining.pdf

Research and innovation of the smart city concept is logically evolving and extending into the conceptualisation of smart regions. Within the European Union the political priorities and principles are aligning to encourage the development of smart regions. Current plans for jobs, growth and investment, the digital single market, energy union and democratic change align with the long-standing principle of subsidiarity, the circular economy approach [2] and with smart specialisation strategy [3]. This paper examines the ongoing process of engagement and active participation of stakeholders using the quadruple helix model [5] in the conceptualisation, design and implementation of Smart Regional Policy in the Northern, Western and borders region of the Republic of Ireland in an area including 10 local authorities. This process is known as the Smart Places Region initiative.