Ifor Ffowcs-Williams, Cluster Navigators Ltd, New Zealand

Mike Best, University of Massachusetts University Lowell, USA
Bagie Sherchand, Likando Mukumbuta, ZATAC - Zambia Agribusiness Technical Assistance Center Project, Zambia

Johan Brink, Chalmers University of Technology

Abstracts/Key issues: Innovative clusters are characterized by a series of dynamic intra- and interfirm processes that cumulatively and collectively advance regional capabilities, both generic and unique. A set of benefits will be described which operate to increase a region's productive responsiveness to market opportunities and technological change. A proactive approach to regional industrial development in Massachusetts that starts with an audit of existing capabilities will be presented. (Michael Best)

Globalization is rapidly becoming local, making competition in the local markets international. The quest for increased competitiveness is a challenge facing most developing nations, including Zambia. While clusters have traditionally facilitated a renewed focus on the production and the value chain, increased competitiveness has stimulated the need for innovation in how clusters are organized and implemented. The Zambia Copperbelt Outgrower Initiative model harnesses the power of strategic alliances and multiple clusters to deliver and make real a common regional development objective leading to increased competitiveness of Zambian firms and farms in the global marketplace (Bagie Sherchand)