Cluster Development 

Today's economy is about speed, flexibility and connectivity in an environment where innovation and economic growth are geographically concentrated. Clusters and their smart specialisations are cornerstones of this reality.
 

The focus for economic development is moving from the national level, from support to industries to individual firms.  Today the emphasis is on the development of cities, regions and their cluster eco-systems.  This bottom-up approach reflects that while companies may come and go, strong and evolving clusters provide economic stability to a region.

Though clusters are a natural occurrence, the development of clusters does not need to be left to chance.  

Over the last decade cluster development has become a mainstream framework for innovation and regional development, especially in Europe.  The animation of clusters provides a centre stage strategy that addresses innovation, productivity and competitiveness.  The European Commission is now actively encouraging the development of world-class clusters.  The logic is to support the internationalisation of small firms, industrial transformation and the development of regional specialisations.

My cluster development work has covered fifty+ countries, across five continents, over two decades.  I have been exposed to over a thousand clusters.  

Cluster Navigators is happy to share our learning through the Twelve Step process for Cluster Development that has evolved over those two decades. 

Ifor Ffowcs-Williams, CEO, Cluster Navigators Limited

 

 

THE LATEST  Our fully revised and updated handbook "Cluster Development Handbook" can be purchased via this site as an E-book, pdf or in hard copy format.  Just click on "The Handbook" section above and you will be taken to the purchase area.  Ifor launched the updated & revised handbook at the yearly TCI Global conference in Eindhoven in November 2016...here he is with the new look hardcopy of the Cluster Development Handbook.

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Latest News

Ifor's revised and updated Cluster Development Handbook was launched at the Global TCI Conference, Eindhoven, early November 2016. The handbook is available for purchase as an ebook, pdf, in Colour or Black & white hard copies.  Just click "The Handbook" option above and you will be taken to a shopping page.  Any questions just email us.

Reg-X - The Danish Cluster Academy explains What a Cluster Is and includes a video.  On this video, among others, Ífor Ffowcs-Williams, explains the role of the cluster facilitator and how cluster collaboration can strengthen a focus area.
 
What works and what doesn't work with regards to the practicalities of cluster development.
 
Cluster Navigators are acknowledged globally as a lead organisation in cluster development.  Please follow the link above to see our training brochure information.  If you need further information please feel free to contact us.

Cluster Development and Management Manual 
The Cluster Development & Management Manual has been prepared for the EU/BizClim funded cluster project in the South Pacific. 

Opening the Window on Cluster Development
This brochure provides a non-technical introduction to the merits of cluster development.

Cluster Facilitation vs. Cluster Management
In this LEDCast episode, Frank Waeltring interviews Ifor Ffowcs-Williams on the role of a cluster facilitator. 

NZ: Prisoner of an Outdated Paradigm 
Submission to New Zealand’s Productivity Commission, addressing NZ’s productivity paradox.
Incremental policy adjustments at the macro level have failed to deliver.
It is time to get busy where it counts … at the regional level, centred on innovation ecosystems, the clusters.