The Irish Edge: How Enterprises Compete on Authenticity and Place

Telling the stories of Irish businesses that have successfully integrated their Irishness with the demands of the global marketplace, The Irish Edge is intended as an inspiration to entrepreneurs/innovators and owners of export-oriented SMEs. The Irish Edge tells the stories of successful Irish enterprises that have survived and thrived through the recession, building on culture, tradition, place, identity, language and sustainability. The enterprises in this book compete, not only on the basis of identity, but by adapting themselves to what is now called the modern 'experience' economy. Such businesses include: Inis Meain, which the Financial Times headlined 'A Chic Knitwear Outpost in the Aran Islands'; Cnoc Suain, a restored 17th century hill village in Co. Galway; Ballymaloe Cookery School; animation enterprise Cartoon Saloon; our liquor and brewing enterprises, including new craft beers; and our food industry, including global brands such as Glenisk and Flahavans. The Irish Edge proposes an economic recovery based on such strong, identity-driven, modern enterprises that use local and traditional resources, along with technology, to create something appealing and new.

Table of Contents:
Preface PART I: Ireland - Old and New 1 Inis Meain Introducing Inis Meain Authenticity and Place Inis Meain Restaurant & Suites Conclusion 2 A New Vision of Irish Enterprise Where is the Vision? A Third Way An Economic Aisling Character and Integrity The Experience Economy Reviving the Revival Spirit Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) The Second Revival The Third Revival Who am I, What am I, Where am I? Sargadelos Heath Ceramics Creative Places Why Culture Counts Realising the Smart Economy Creating Shared Value Greening Ireland's Enterprises Conclusion PART II: Stories of Distinctively Irish Enterprises 3 Telling Tales Introduction Why Stories? Introductory Tales Overview of Stories Conclusion 4 A Place in the Heart - Tourism and Travel Background The Evolution of a Dream Meeting the Marketplace Recognition Transformative Experiences The Future Conclusion 5 Keeping the Tradition Alive - Arts and Media Introduction Irish World Academy of Music and Dance Other Voices Burren College of Art Telegael Irish as Resource Conclusion 6 Making Sense (Not 'Stuff') - Craft and Design Introduction Louis Mulcahy Pottery Brian de Staic Jewellers Wild Goose Studio Authentic Clothing Conclusion 7 The Green Island - Farming and Food Introduction Kerrygold Small Food Ventures Country Choice Follain Origin Green Food Authenticity Future Promise Conclusion 8 The Independent Spirit of Ireland - Brewing and Distilling Introduction Cooley Distillery The Future of Irish Whiskey Conclusion 9 Sustainable but Scalable - Global and Green Introduction Global Enterprises Kerry Group Small Green Ventures VOYA Conclusion PART III: Towards 2016 10 An Authentic Republic Endnotes Index

About the Author :
Finbarr Bradley teaches about managing and financing green ventures at University College Dublin and is a former professor at DCU and NUI Maynooth. James J. Kennelly is professor of International Business at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York.