Atlantic Economic Corridor Enterprise Hubs Network

By project Digital Rural

Published on 10 January 2025

Ireland

Northern and Western

About this good practice

In 2015, Chambers of Commerce & a Group of action-oriented partners along 9
rural based Irish Western Counties signed a Charter to develop the Atlantic Economic Corridor.The AEC Enterprise Hubs Network was a €1M 3 year pilot scheme to create an interconnected community network from over 100 identified hubs, linked to the Connected Hubs Initiative. It was later expanded to include up to 400 hubs across Ireland to create a vibrant and connected network.

The Enterprise Hubs Project was coordinated by the Western Development Commission (WDC) to deliver on the following key areas:
Establish a community network between the hubs identified in the region, Provide a suite of back office ICT infrastructure including an online booking engine Rollout of a Hub Improvement Plan, Promotion and Branding, Training and Business Development, Promotion of Remote Working.

The AEC Enterprise Hubs Network delivered significant achievements under all three of the key pillars of the wider Initiative, developing connectivity, promoting innovation & supporting the growth of a robust and diverse economy in the region.

The WDC in its role as coordinator of Enterprise Hubs Project conducted extensive research that indicated many hubs in the AEC region would benefit from becoming part of a larger hub ecosystem. Participation is a proven driver for hub development; it leads to increased hub occupancy & cross pollination of ideas which drives business development in rural communities across the region.

Expert opinion

The Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) Enterprise Hubs Network is a strong example of a replicable good practice for regional policymakers seeking to enhance connectivity, foster innovation, and build a diverse and resilient rural economy. By creating an integrated network of over 300 enterprise hubs across nine rural counties in western Ireland, the initiative successfully bridges the digital divide and promotes inclusive economic development. Coordinated by the Western Development Commission, the AEC Hubs deliver strategic benefits: shared digital infrastructure, a hub improvement plan, branding, training, business development, and support for remote working. This interconnected system empowers rural communities to participate in the digital economy, encourages knowledge exchange, and attracts investment. With over 2,700 businesses and 80,000 jobs currently operating in the corridor, the model clearly demonstrates the power of networked collaboration across regions. Key lessons for transfer include the importance of multi-level governance, local coordination via AEC staff members, and the value of community-driven innovation ecosystems. For regions with dispersed populations or underused infrastructure, the AEC model shows how to stimulate entrepreneurship, retain talent, and strengthen local economies through targeted hub development and digital transformation strategies.

Luc Schmerber

Works at Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform

Resources needed

The Department of Rural and Community development funds an AEC Officer in each of the 10 local authorities along the corridor. They gather information about buildings and properties that may be used as business hubs. These officers also help to develop and practice the communication strategies.

Evidence of success

The project has proven to be a success with > 300 AEC Hubs active across 9 counties. The hubs range from Co-Working to Enterprise hubs, as well as Scaling and R & D hubs, ensuring that all types of businesses are catered for.
The interconnected hubs drive business development for companies in rural areas. At present there are 2,725 Businesses employing more than 80,000 people operating within the AEC.

Potential for learning or transfer

The Digital Rural Project aims to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas, with digital transformation as its central focus and the AEC has a similar aim.

It highlights the benefits of a collaborative approach across county borders / regions focusing on Infrastructure, Community Network and Marketing / Promotion. The Corridor is now home to a strong culture of enterprise and innovation, with hundreds of successful businesses operating there.

By studying the AEC, we can learn best practices on how to develop a hub network that has the potential to bring a significant economic boost to more rural regions – overcoming the urban / rural divide and highlighting the wealth of talent in the region.

By boosting the digital infrastructure, the project supports the growth of a diverse and thriving workforce; allowing for more business development and creating a strong community.