The Tanaiste sketched out a new era of education and research links between the Republic and Scotland yesterday when she spent most of the day in Glasgow.
She outlined an agenda for improved links between the Irish and Scottish education systems, and in research and development in high-tech sectors as one way in which the British-Irish council could work with both governments.
Ms Harney's visit indicates how seriously Dublin treats government links with Scotland - a consulate was opened in Edinburgh five months ago.
Ms Harney said Scotland was Ireland's 10th biggest customer in exports, and Ireland is the 13th biggest customer for Scottish business. And although the two compete directly in several sectors - including electronics, food and drink, pharmaceuticals and financial services - there was room for collaboration, she said.
"There are huge opportunities for jointly moving together in education, research and development, and for not duplicating what each other is doing, particularly because the areas we're competitive in are so similar," said the Tanaiste. "With a co-operative spirit, we can both realise our potential. I'd like us to explore ways of working together, and how we can jointly do things for our mutual benefit."
On the peace process, Ms Harney said the links between Scotland and Northern Ireland could help build bridges. The Scots could help create a new dynamic, she said. "Politics has kept us apart. If it weren't for the history of the conflict in Ireland, we would have had structures between these islands to work together, because we are so small. Coming together gives small countries a big voice."
She held up the example of the Scottish National Party as a party committed to splitting from London rule, but consistently backing peaceful, constitutional means of doing so.