Economic and community development professional Audrey Keating will give a public lecture titled “The Magdalen Islands: A Living Lab for Territorial Innovation” as part of the UPEI Institute of Island Studies’ 2025 Island Lecture Series. The lecture is free and open to the public.

She will talk about how the Magdalen Islands are leveraging its unique environment to foster economic development opportunities.

“Just a ferry ride away, the Magdalen Islands are emerging as a dynamic testing ground for innovation,” she said. “We will explore how the region attracts businesses and startups eager to validate their solutions—from ocean tech to age tech—in real-world conditions.”

She is currently Commissioner for Business Development and Partnerships at La Vague, an innovation and development corporation leading the Magdalen Islands’ investment attraction strategy. Previously at the Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation, she fostered partnerships across public, private, and civil sectors to support English-speaking communities in Québec. She holds an honours degree in international studies and a certificate in modern languages from Bishop's University. Passionate about collaboration, she engages with diverse organizations to drive economic growth and strengthen community well-being.