N.I Perspective on Cluster Development

1. N.I Perspective on Cluster Development/Collaborative Networks Victor Jordan Director, Business Development, Invest N.I.

3. EDF Action Plan �The concept of Clustering to be clearly defined and widely communicated to raise awareness and understanding�. Assist the process of clustering through joint marketing, R & D, etc., to encourage local supplier linkages and knowledge sharing�.

4. EDF Action Plan 7.1 Knowledge and Productivity Growth Action Point 2.7 � �Companies to be encouraged to seek locally for suppliers or seek to encourage / create local supply and look locally for collaborative ventures (e.g. marketing, R &D, joint production etc) with local partners (including FE colleges, universities)�. (Lead responsibility � Business Alliance). Action Point 2.12 �The concept of clustering to be clearly defined and communicated widely, within local industry, to raise awareness and understanding�. (Lead responsibility � CforC). �The focus of the clustering effort should be clarified and, in particular, the cluster approach of CforC and the sectoral approach of Invest NI should be linked and integrated to ensure both are complimentary�. (Lead responsibility � CforC and Invest NI). �The process of clustering and encouraging collaboration between companies in areas of mutual benefit (e.g. joint marketing, R & D etc), encouraging local supplier linkages and sharing of knowledge to be promoted in as many industries as possible�. (Lead responsibility � C for C)

5. Update on EDF Cluster Activity Sep 2003 EDF Cluster program initiated Mar 2004 Cluster Facilitator Training Program May 2004 Cluster Facilitators Forum Established Jun 2004 Pilot on-line community program initiated Aug 2004 NI Cluster Map Generated Sep 2005 Pilot Virtual Enterprise Network Program initiated Nov 2004 Delegation to Cluster Conference in Ottawa Jan 2005 CFF projects initiated Mar 2005 NI Cluster Strategy submitted to InvestNI and DETI Apr 2005 Extended on-line community program Apr 2005 InterTradeIreland All-Ireland Cluster Mapping project started May 2005 International Cluster Conference in Belfast Nov 2005 Delegation to Cluster Conference in Hong Kong

6. Goals of the Cluster Facilitators Forum Provide a focal point for cluster activity in the region, link to all-island cluster activities where possible. Share experiences and advice on cluster development. Collaborate on relevant projects. Co-ordinate cluster activities / events within the group. Share the opportunity for improved PR on Cluster activities. Identify and share resources.

7. What do we offer? Support & facilitation for new and emerging networks. Access to tools & technology to support networks. Access to a wider network via the CFF. Common focal point for cluster activity in NI.

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13. VEN Pilot Virtual Enterprise Network awarded to an Environmental Technology Cluster, facilitated by NMEA. Six months funding support. Facilitation and tools supplied to identify network competencies, develop framework and communication methods, goals, rules and market opportunities etc. Group are currently promoting the network to potential customers (one contract won to date) and collaborating on a new recycling project.

14. Way Forward

15. Recognition for Policy Change DETI Strategy Invest N.I Strategy All Island Strategy

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17. Current Support Dedicated Resource Training Facilitators Virtual Enterprise Network (Pilot) Smart Communities Assisting with EU Funding Workshop on Legal Issues Hong Kong Conference Individual Network Support (Capability Mapping) Benchmarking with other regions Invest N.I - Business Development Solutions

18. Issues Going Forward Policy/Strategy Development Role For CFF? N.I Wide Vs Key Sectors Only Criteria For Support Fit With Existing Support Legal Issues Continuing Consultation With Private Sector

19. Facilitate Change Existing Government Resources-Virtual Enterprise Network etc. Steps for Cluster Development Managing Expectations eg. Funding / training /timescales All Island Mapping