The 2026 European Innovation Scoreboard suggests that France and Ireland are not competing innovation systems. They may instead represent one of Europe's most complementary innovation partnerships.

Europe leads quantum hardware deployments. Yet without bold investment now — before the killer app exists — US giants will simply acquire that lead away. France just committed €1.55bn. The race isn't about the application. It's about who owns the infrastructure when it arrives.

UCD has just launched its Space Strategy 2030: a blueprint that cements Ireland's place in the global space race and signals compelling new partnership opportunities for France and European actors.

Bringing France and Ireland Closer in Innovation, Research, and Policy