A Transatlantic Conversation on Resilience: Highlights from the Charlotte Forum
- eoghan nolan
- Oct 22
- 3 min read
When global disruptions hit, from pandemics and financial crises to policy shifts and supply chain shocks, resilient economies do not just survive. They adapt, innovate, and emerge stronger. That was the unifying theme at Strengthening Economic Resilience, a panel discussion co-hosted by the Irish American Business Alliance of North Carolina (IABA) and the UNC Charlotte Belk College of Business.
The event, held at CO-LAB at UNC Charlotte Center City, brought together voices from business, policy, and academia, including Belk College Dean Richard Buttimer, Professor Stephen Kinsella of the University of Limerick, Don Finucane, Craig Depken, and Matt Martin of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Together, they explored how two dynamic economies, Ireland and North Carolina, continue to navigate volatility while positioning for long-term growth.
Enduring Through Crisis
“Ireland has had more than its share of economic shocks, including a bailout, austerity, Brexit, COVID, and a cost-of-living crisis,” said Stephen Kinsella, Head of Economics at the University of Limerick and advisor to the Irish government. “Resilience is the ability to cope with the shock and emerge a bit stronger, especially if you can make sure that the people who are most exposed to the shock are taken care of.”
That ethos of endurance, of facing challenges together, was echoed across the discussion. Both Ireland and North Carolina have weathered crises that tested their economic fabric but also revealed their capacity for reinvention.
Diversifying for the Future
Charlotte’s story mirrors Ireland’s in many ways.
“We’re sitting in a thriving city that’s growing remarkably quickly,” said Matt Martin, Regional Executive at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. “We’ve got manufacturing, banking, and a diverse corporate base. That mix is what makes us resilient.”
Panelists noted that Ireland’s transformation since 2008, from a property-dependent economy to one powered by technology, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing, offers a powerful example of diversification done right. In North Carolina, similar progress has broadened the economic base beyond finance, with life sciences, clean energy, and logistics now driving sustained growth.
Talent and Adaptability
Resilient economies depend on resilient people.
“Our students have already built a foundation of resilience,” said Don Finucane, Belk College lecturer and former corporate executive. “Many of them were in high school during COVID, balancing work, family, and education, and they’re showing up ready to lead. It’s on us to build on that foundation.”
That focus on talent development resonated strongly with IABA’s mission of supporting transatlantic business and workforce collaboration. The event highlighted how institutions like UNC Charlotte play a critical role in preparing graduates to fill the talent pipeline that powers both economies.
Infrastructure and Collaboration
“During the peak of COVID, cities with strong transport networks were still thriving,” noted Craig Depken, Chair of the Department of Economics at UNC Charlotte. From logistics hubs to digital connectivity, infrastructure emerged as another pillar of resilience.
Perhaps the most consistent takeaway from the evening was the power of collaboration.
“It’s tricky to do, but if you can align incentives between academia, business, and government, you can move things forward at incredible speed,” Kinsella said.
Finucane added that both Irish and North Carolinian cultures share a deep sense of modesty that fosters this kind of cooperation, an understated strength that fuels innovation and community-building alike.
A Shared Vision for Resilient Growth
As IABA President Liam Fitzgerald reflected, “Our mission is to strengthen the bridge between Ireland and North Carolina, connecting people, ideas, and capital so both economies can thrive in a world defined by change.”
The lessons from the Strengthening Economic Resilience forum reinforce that message. Resilience is not an act of recovery, but a strategy for future growth.
The Irish American Business Alliance of North Carolina extends its gratitude to the Belk College of Business, Dean Richard Buttimer, and all participating panelists for their partnership. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more connected transatlantic business community.
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