Majella Giblin is Associate Professor in the Management Discipline at J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway. She is also the Associate Head of External Engagement and Alumni Relations for the School. She was awarded a Ph.D. in the area of industrial clusters from University of Galway and she also holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (University of Galway), Master of Economic Sciencedegree (University of Galway) as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Studies (Trinity College Dublin). Majella has over 18 years experience in the academic environment. Prior to her current position, she held the position of Ussher Assistant Professor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Trinity Business School (from 2011 to 2016), Trinity College Dublin. She also previously worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher with the Whitaker Institute at University of Galway, a lecturer in Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology and as an economic consultant.

Her research interests include; high-tech industrial clusters, entrepreneurial ecosystems, technological entrepreneurship, innovation, born-global firms, MNE subsidiary evolution, regional development and related Public Policy, focusing primarily on the Medical Technology sector.

Majella's research transcends theoretical boundaries by integrating the intellectual traditions of international business, economic geography, regional science, strategic management and evolutionary economics. She has published in international peer-reviewed ABS rated journals, including Global Strategy Journal, International Business Review, Regional Studies, California Management Review, Small Business Economics Journal, Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, and Industry and Innovation. Majella has also published chapters in internationally published books and has presented at numerous international conferences.

Majella address research questions such as: how knowledge specialisation and diversification in a high-technology cluster evolves over time in a region; how MNE (multinational enterprise) subsidiary strategies evolve so the subsidiary role transforms from a competence exploiter to a competence creator; how the public institutional composition of the region supports the development of the cluster; how regional clusters are positioned in Global Value Chains and how inter-regional knowledge transfer occurs; and how the competency and capability requirements of entrepreneurs and innovators changes over time as a cluster matures. She have investigated the connections between the MedTech cluster in Galway and other regional hubs having undertaken research study visits to conduct interviews in Boston, Massachusetts (a more advanced hub for MedTech) and Costa Rica (a less developed hub for MedTech).

Majella regularly organises and delivers applied talks on innovation for SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises) and is well-connected and embedded in the MedTech sector in Galway and Ireland. In the past two years alone (2023-2025), Majella has been invited to deliver over 10 practitioner-targeted talks to MedTech industry organisations, companies and policymakers. In December 2023, she acted as one of three judges for the prestigious Annual MedTech Awards presented at the IBEC Medtech Rising Conference. 

Aligned to her research, Majella teaches in the areas of entrepreneurship, innovation, business organisation and research methods. She has taught at all levels; undergraduate, masters and Ph.D., and has been instrumental in designing and delivering new modulesand innovative teaching methods in her areas. She believes students learn by being exposed to a variety of perspectives, by gaining first-hand experiences and by reflecting. Therefore her approach to teaching is as a facilitator of discussions, an igniter of interest, a provider of techniques and approaches to develop particular skills and critical thinking abilities. Majella has held Programme Directorship roles, has been faculty advisor to student led societies and organisations, such as Enactus and engages with the wider community through her research and teaching.

High-tech regional industrial clusters,  Global Value Chains, technological entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial ecosystems, innovation, born-global firms, MNE subsidiary evolution, regional development and related Public Policy. Medical Technology sector. 

Entrepreneurship, international business and the global external environment, innovation.