These include local government groups and affiliates that want to further economic development in their region. Key concerns are the practical issues involved in business cluster development.

 

What is the role of regional and local agencies in cluster development?

Cluster development is first and foremost a local/regional issue, and it is important that geographically focused agencies take the lead, rather than broader national ones. Financial and other support may come from national agencies (or donors) but leadership for a successful clustering intervention needs to be from within the community.  The strategic focus of the local agency may be business retention and expansion; attracting international investment; job creation; SME development; moving beyond commodities  … cluster development provides a logical and actionable framework for each priority.

Local agencies need to review and prioritise their clusters for engagement; strategically understand the key issues facing the priority clusters; establish tight leaderships groups for each cluster that are private sector dominated; be able to resource initial projects that emerge; and have the ability to pick up from across the local clusters the systemic issues that merit addressing at a higher level.

Woodville Windfarm, New Zealand

What is Cluster Navigators’ experience with regional and local agencies?
Cluster Navigators has worked extensively in many countries in supporting local agencies, and their facilitators. Our reach and experiences stretch from Newfoundland to remote desert communities in Australia, to regions within Iceland, Norway,  the Czech Republic, South Africa, USA , New Zealand and other countries. Some of these local economic development agencies cover capital cities; others wide rural areas; many are identified in ‘Our Clients’.

How can Cluster Navigators support regional and local agencies?

Our experiences include supporting agencies in gaining Board level endorsement for a cluster approach;  designing and introducing a clustering intervention; workshops with related local agencies to establish their role; media briefings; training and empowering the local facilitators; supporting them at key workshops and in continually upgrading the strategic agenda; garnering whole-of-government alignment to support a cluster (including national, state/provincial and local); and in reviewing and auditing cluster programmes. 
 
How might we help you?
 Please contact us for further information about how our services can be applied to your particular needs.