INTRE (Ireland’s Network of Teachers and Researchers in Entrepreneurship) was initiated by Professors Tom Cooney, Bill O’Gorman and Pauric McGowan in 2003. Following discussions and development time, INTRE was formally established in January 2006 when the Board adopted its Constitution, and it was officially launched in October 2006 by the Minister for Education Mary Hanafin. The Founding Chairperson of INTRE was Professor Tom Cooney (DIT), and the Board was originally structured to include a representative from each 3rd-level Higher Education Institution. Subsequent chairpersons were Prof. Bill O’Gorman (WIT) and Dr. Emer Ní Bhradaigh (DCU).  

The recent renewal of this network aims to continue this collaborative legacy, increase the quantity and quality of entrepreneurship research in Ireland, and build a strong international reputation in this area. Towards achieving this ambition, the following objectives have been identified for the organisation: 

1. To raise the quantity and quality of entrepreneurship education and research on the island of Ireland. 
2. To develop and promote high-quality entrepreneurship programmes across all stakeholders. 
3. To generate increased research funding for entrepreneurship education and research. 
4. To develop an active network of collaborative educators and researchers working in the area of entrepreneurship education and research. 
5. To increase the output of publications on entrepreneurship. 
6. To support the development of the interface between business and technology within and between third-level institutions. 
7. To undertake any other activities that the organisation believes will enhance the growth of entrepreneurship research, teaching and related activities on the island of Ireland.