European Creative Industries Summit 2026
As Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the European Creative Industries Summit brings together policymakers, industry leaders, designers, architects, communicators, researchers and creative entrepreneurs from across Europe.
Hosted as part of Irish Design Week 2026, the Summit explores how creativity, design and cultural innovation can contribute to Europe’s most pressing challenges, from competitiveness and sustainability to democracy, artificial intelligence and future skills. Ireland’s creative response to Europe’s future.
What is the European Creative Industries Summit?
The European Creative Industries Summit (ECIS) is one of Europe’s leading forums connecting creative industries, innovation ecosystems and public policy.
Presented as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency programme and Irish Design Week 2026, ECIS brings together representatives from across Europe to explore how creativity can unlock innovation, strengthen competitiveness and help build a more sustainable and resilient future.
Over three days of discussions, workshops, keynote presentations and site visits, the summit creates a platform where policymakers, cultural organisations, researchers and creative businesses come together to shape the future of Europe’s creative economy.
Why Attend?
Creativity Beyond Culture
The creative industries are increasingly recognised as drivers of innovation, economic growth and societal transformation.
Attendees will:
- Hear directly from European policymakers, industry leaders and creative innovators.
- Explore how creativity contributes to competitiveness, sustainability and democratic participation.
- Connect with European networks, institutions and innovation partners.
- Discover emerging opportunities for collaboration, research and funding.
- Contribute to conversations that will help shape Europe’s future creative economy.
- Participate in one of Ireland’s flagship EU Presidency events.
Summit Framework
Connecting Creative Innovation Across Europe
The Summit is built around three interconnected strands:
Europe Day
Bringing together European innovation networks, research organisations and creative industry leaders to explore new models of collaboration, skills development and creative innovation.
Ireland Day
A series of keynote talks, provocations and discussions connecting Ireland’s creative sectors with the major challenges facing Europe, including competitiveness, democracy, sustainability, future skills and artificial intelligence.
Regional Day
An opportunity to experience Ireland’s creative ecosystem first-hand through curated visits exploring design, craft, heritage, language, tourism and place-based innovation across the country.
The Dublin Communiqué
A key outcome of the Summit will be the development of the Dublin Communiqué. Drawing together insights from policymakers, creative organisations, researchers and industry leaders, the Communiqué will provide a collective statement on the future role of creativity, design and cultural innovation within Europe. The Dublin Communiqué will help shape future conversations around policy, investment, innovation and cooperation across the European creative economy.
Featured Themes
Creative Innovation & Competitiveness
How can creativity strengthen Europe’s ability to innovate and compete globally?
Democracy & Participation
How can design, architecture and placemaking contribute to stronger civic engagement and more inclusive societies?
Measuring Creative Impact
How should Europe measure the value of creativity beyond purely economic outcomes?
Future Skills & Artificial Intelligence
How can creative industries help shape the future relationship between human creativity, artificial intelligence and work?
Green Transition
How can design and creativity contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future?
Craft & Manufacturing Futures
What role can craft, mass customisation and making play in future European economies?
Event Information
European Creative Industries Summit 2026
Dates: 11–13 November 2026
Part of: Irish Design Week 2026 and Ireland’s EU Presidency Programme
Further speakers and programme details will be announced soon.
Wheelchair Accessible • Suitable for All Ages
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