What is “Dúiche”?

This Workshop is named Dúiche from the Irish word for native place, derived from the root ‘dú’, meaning earth or land. Dúiche emphasises a sense of belonging, identity and responsibility, and stresses the interconnectedness of place, people, culture, language and the ecological balance between human and non-humans.

This Workshop at Irish College Leuven (BE) is designed to inspire, and stimulate the development of internationally- competitive European enterprises rooted in unique places through the creation of ‘real value’. It is not a business or entrepreneurship ‘bootcamp’. Rather, it is an integrated mix of reflective lectures, discussions, study visits, guest speakers and hands-on case studies, all designed to foster sustainable and innovative enterprises, especially in marginal regions throughout Europe.

Background

At a time when national economies and societies are increasingly questioning the impact of
the homogenising forces of globalisation and the relative risks and rewards of complex
global supply chains, the ‘local’ matters more than ever. If anything, the consequences of
the pandemic have only heightened interest in ‘place-based’ enterprises.

Throughout Europe, indigenous enterprises, especially those characterised by a commitment to authenticity and possessed of an ecologically and socially sustainable mind- set, offer a critical counterbalance to rootless multinationals. Sense of place, distinctiveness, identity, the arts, character, culture and commerce are inextricably linked in ways that extend well beyond the ‘cultural industries.’

In today’s experience economy, meaning, tradition, authenticity, culture, language, and sense of place are often key elements in attaining a competitive advantage by ‘scaling deeper’ – that is, rooting sustained competitive advantage in distinctive and authentic (including intangible) local resources.

Distinctive cultural and natural resources stimulate imagination, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship while promoting shared value creation, global citizenship, ecological integrity and community regeneration.

Major Themes & Who Should Attend

Some of the topics covered in the Workshop include:

– Authenticity and Tradition
– Place, Sense of Place and Rootedness
– Real Value, Meaning and Purpose
– Place-Based Enterprises and Transformative Experiences
– Community Development and Cooperative Enterprises
– Competitive Advantage of Distinctive Local Resources
– Scaling Deeper

The workshop is ideal for:

Executives in development agencies and community development practitioners,
public officials and policy makers engaged in supporting economic, social, and
cultural development, and supporting SMEs, especially those located in marginal
regions throughout the EU.

Entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, potential entrepreneurs and business owners,
especially those who might benefit from understanding more about place-based and
sustainable ventures in sectors such as food, tourism, crafts, renewables, the
creative economy, the green economy, marine resources and the digital economy.

Cost of Workshop

The cost of the workshop is EUR 1,750. You can purchase a ticket directly HERE. For any questions, please contact reception@irishcollegeleuven.eu

View the Brochure!