Date: Thursday, 20 November 2025
Time: 08:00 - 14:45
Contact: Rhoda Sohun - rhoda.sohun@ul.ie
Location: Limerick
Join us for the final conference of Project EAGLE, a European-wide initiative tackling the digital skills gap in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Funded by the Digital Europe Programme and supported in Ireland by University of Limerick and Skillnet Ireland, this event brings together academic, industry, and training partners to celebrate the project’s achievements and explore future strategies for SME digital transformation.

About the Conference

Project EAGLE is a European initiative funded by the Digital Europe Programme, delivered by a consortium of academic institutions, SME networks, and training organisations from across Europe, including partners from Spain, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Ireland, Lithuania and Finland.  Together, we’re tackling one of the most pressing challenges facing small and medium-sized enterprises today: the digital skills gap.

Join us for the Final Project EAGLE Conference, themed:

“Bridging the Digital Skills Gap: Empowering SMEs for the Future”

This high-impact event will showcase innovative strategies, practical tools, and collaborative solutions to help SMEs thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

Who Should Attend?

  • SME owners & managers
  • Industry professionals
  • Educators & trainers
  • Policy makers
  • Chambers of Commerce
  • Enterprise Ireland
  • Regional Skills Forums
  • EU Digital Programme stakeholders

Whether you're driving digital transformation in your organisation or shaping policy at a regional or national level, this conference offers valuable insights and networking opportunities.

📅 Date: Thursday, 20th November 2025
📍 Location: University of Limerick, Ireland
💻 Format: Attend in person or join select sessions remotely

REGISTER NOW

Conference Highlights:

  • Business Networking Breakfast with Workshop related to ‘Skills That Matter’ and preparing SMEs for the digital future.
  • Conference Keynote by Mr Tim Crowe, CEO of WorxFlo: “AI and Supply Chain Digitalisation: Practical Insights for SMEs”
  • Panel Discussion: “Collaborating for Digital Success”. This panel will explore how strategic partnerships between industry, academia, and training networks can drive meaningful digital transformation for SMEs
  • Presentation of Project EAGLE outcomes and recommendations
  • European and Local supports available for SMEs in 2026 and beyond
  • Networking opportunities

For more information, please contact:

Rhoda Sohun
Project Manager, EU Projects
Graduate and Professional Studies, University of Limerick
EMAIL: Rhoda.Sohun@ul.ie

You can register for the Business Networking Breakfast & Workshop or Project Eagle Conference or Both

Conference Schedule

Business Networking Breakfast & Workshop (hosted by Skillnet Ireland)

08:00–08:30 Breakfast & Networking 
 		Informal session at the University of Limerick, offers early networking opportunities for attendees 
08:30–09:30 Workshop:  Skills that Matter: Preparing SMEs for the Digital Future Facilitated by Ms Áine Barry (Linear Expression), this interactive session will explore the evolving digital skills landscape and identify key SME needs. 

Project Eagle Conference

09:30–10:00 Tea/Coffee & Registration  
10:00–10:15 Welcome Opening remarks by Michael Hennessy, Professional Education Manager, Graduate & Professional Studies, University of Limerick. 
10:15–10:45 Keynote Address “AI and Supply Chain Digitalisation: Practical Insights for SMEs” by Tim Crowe, CEO of WorxFlo. 
10:45–11:30 

Panel Discussion: “Collaborating for Digital Success” 

 

Panel Discussion will explore how partnerships between industry, academia, and training networks can accelerate SME digital transformation.  

Panel:

  • Prof Martin Hayes (UL),
  • Mr Tim Crowe (CEO, WorxFlo),
  • Ms Michelle Guthrie (Skillnet Ireland Development Advisor for South West),
  • Mr Kevin Geary (Director of Engineering & Strategic Projects, Croom Medical),
  • Ms Shirley Walsh (CEO, Shannon Coiled Springs Ltd.

Facilitated by 

Mr David Moloney, Digital Skills Development Lead, Centre for Transformative Learning (CTL) University of Limerick.   

11:30–11:45 Tea/Coffee & Networking  
11:45–12.15 

  • Digital Europe Programme 

     

  • Project EAGLE Overview & Main Findings

Nadja Kernchen, Policy Officer – EU Policies (CNECT.DDG2.G.2 - Interactive Technologies, Digital for Culture and Education)

Bruno  Baruque Zanon, Project Coordinator, UBU

12.15-13.00 Project EAGLE Recommendations Skillnet Ireland 
13:00–14:00 Lunch, Networking & Reflecting. “Your Voice on Project EAGLE’s Recommendations”Over lunch, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on the recommendations presented in the previous session and cast their votes, helping further inform the final report of Project EAGLE.
14:00–14.30 Supports for 2026 and Beyond 

Mr Joe Leddin,  Mid-West Regional Skills Forum Manager 

Mr Darran Diskin, National Cyber Security Centre, NCP Digital Europe 

14:30–14.45 Closing Remarks 

Michael Hennessy, Professional Education Manager, Graduate & Professional Studies, University of Limerick.  

Bruno Baruque Zanon, Project Eagle Coordinator UBU