The U.S.-Ireland Business Summit, a historic gathering of select senior business, academic and government leaders, convened in Washington, DC September 4-6, 2002. Supported by the private sectors and governments of the United States, Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive, the U.S.-Ireland Business Summit provided a forum for unprecedented dialogue on key business issues, and produced policy initiatives to usher in a new 21st Century era of economic collaboration, cooperation and business growth on both sides of the Atlantic.

Global economic change and the war against international terrorismhave challenged industries and governments worldwide to find new ways to resolve conflict, eliminate barriers and expand markets. US. President George W. Bush issued a compelling call for renewed private sector leadership and innovation to restore economic vitality and build cooperation. The U.S.-Ireland Business Summit was a bold response to that call.

Cutting edge discussions were held on key issues facing business in the United States, Ireland and Northern Ireland in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Biotechnology, and Financial Services sectors in the U.S. and Irish/(European) markets. Sessions were led by business leaders from global industries in each sector and focused on corporate governance; competitiveness; new public and private sector priorities; privacy and security issues; broadband; market development and entry; intellectual property and regulatory issues; "best practice" commercialization of R&D; and opportunities for joint ventures and strategic alliances.