Harnessing innovation to improve health and competitiveness

October 2026

Pictured (L-R): Maria Pobre, Johnson & Johnson; Audrey Carville, RTÉ; Orlaigh Quinn, IIEA; Rachel Shelly, IDA Ireland; and Brita O’Reilly, Johnson & Johnson.

Opening remarks were delivered by Orlaigh Quinn, Interim Director General of the IIEA and Maria Pobre, General Manager of Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Ireland.

The conference featured discussions between EU and Irish policymakers and leading industry representatives, including Anouk De Vroey, Head of Government Affairs and Policy, Johnson & Johnson EMEA. The conversation focused on how initiatives such as the EU Biotech Act can strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, accelerate health innovation and improve patient outcomes.

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD delivered a keynote address, followed by a fireside conversation with Audrey Carville. The half-day programme also featured two panels: Sharpening Europe’s Competitive Edge and Driving Innovation for Patients, which brought together leaders from the European Commission, European Parliament, government, industry, and patient organisations.

IIEA Interim Director General Orlaigh Quinn said: “At a time when Europe is seeking to strengthen both its competitiveness and its health systems, there is real value in bringing together policymakers, industry, patient representatives, and experts to discuss the choices that lie ahead.”

Claire Skentelbery, Director General at EuropaBio, added: “A strong European life science ecosystem is essential for patients and for the EU itself, with competitiveness, employment, economic growth. The panel allowed us to discuss how we ensure that all member states are partners, contributors and beneficiaries.”

The Institute of International and European Affairs is an independent think tank and policy research institute. It acts as a forum, bringing together stakeholders to discuss issues of national, European, and international significance.