TU Dublin Launches Centre for Entrepreneurial Behaviour, Inclusion and Innovation
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) has launched the Centre for Entrepreneurial Behaviour, Inclusion and Innovation (CEBII), a new interdisciplinary research and engagement centre focused on advancing inclusive, behaviourally informed and impact-driven entrepreneurship.
The Centre was formally launched by Dr Dympna O’Sullivan, Vice President for Research and Innovation at TU Dublin, at a symposium that brought together international academics, entrepreneurs, policymakers and community leaders to examine the future of entrepreneurial research and practice.
CEBII seeks to position TU Dublin as a leading contributor to global research on entrepreneurial behaviour, wellbeing and inclusion, with a strong emphasis on translating research into real-world impact through sustained engagement with communities, industry and policymakers.
Speaking at the launch, Prof. Tom Cooney, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Founding Director of CEBII, set out the Centre’s ambition and values-led approach:
CEBII is about reimagining entrepreneurship, not just as an economic activity, but as a powerful human and social behaviour. Our mission is to generate research and education that genuinely improve lives, expand opportunity, and support those who are too often excluded from entrepreneurial ecosystems. We want TU Dublin to be a global leader in inclusive and impactful entrepreneurship.
The keynote programme reflected the Centre’s international outlook and applied focus. Andrew Atherton, Vice President International and Engagement at the University of Southampton, delivered a keynote address on the development of entrepreneurship centres that deliver meaningful societal impact.
A panel discussion examined the opportunities and challenges facing universities in strengthening engagement with communities and industry. Chaired by Etain Kidney of TU Dublin, the panel featured Susan Spence, co-founder of SoftCo; Caroline St Leger, founder of Super Calm Sensory Products; and entrepreneur and disability advocate Breandán Ward.
The symposium concluded with a keynote address from Johan Wiklund, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Syracuse University and editor of Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, who identified entrepreneurial behaviour, wellbeing and inclusion as a critical frontier for future research.
CEBII will focus on high-quality research, innovative education, policy engagement and knowledge dissemination, aligned with TU Dublin’s mission to deliver impact for society, the economy and communities at local, national and global levels.