Regional Economic Development and Cluster Competitiveness
ETG has been a pioneer in clustering and regional competitiveness for over 30 years. We help clients understand major trends affecting their economies-markets-environment, design a collaborative strategy approach to achieve traction, and engage with stakeholders in action and implementation to create a true regional transformation.
We specialize in the analysis and development of industry clusters–the drivers of regional economic growth. ETG has experience with the development of hundreds of clusters ranging from advanced technology clusters (e.g., biotech, aerospace, nano, IT), to clean tech (wind, solar,green housing, organic agriculture, etc.), to tourism clusters of all types (eco-tourism, adventure, rural and business/convention), to industrial (automotive, electronics, textiles) to agribusiness/agriculture/organic (e.g., fruit, olive oil, cattle, dairy, cacao) to rural clusters.
A cluster focus can include value chain analysis and sustainability transition strategies, as well as engagement with a range of stakeholders from international corporations to local and regional economic actors.
Sustainable Cities Strategy & Implementation
In the context of a fast growing world population, estimated to surpass 9 billion people by 2040 (UN), ETG supports cities and city regions to understand, plan for, and develop the public-private-community partnerships needed to create a viable response to this challenge. Our work encompasses (including post industrial cities losing population to rapid growth mega-cities. We engage in helping clients to create innovations in urban, economic and sustainable management for cluster cities development. However, rather than remaining mired in analysis and theorizing, ETG maintains a focus on action for city development, and develops pragmatic, inclusive, and action-oriented processes for urban management and regional economic development.
ETG helps regions and companies make breakthroughs and accelerate their move towards sustainability in multiple dimensions–sustainability summits, sustainability needs assessments, bio-regional planning, sustainable urban development.
Public Private Dialogue & Collaborative Strategy for Innovation
ETG helps clients to design and develop innovation and training centers, technology parks, incubators and other institutions that strengthen regional innovation systems. Typically, we develop an analytical and participatory approach to assess the needs, market potential, and feasibility of the innovation institution and work closely with a cross-cutting leadership from concept design through implementation.
Agribusiness & Rural Development
ETG is actively engaged in supporting women in entrepreneurship as a breakthough approach to the challenge of rural development. We have been involved in a massive change process involving 15,000 poor rural women in Southeast Mexico, which was highlighted as one of the most successful commitments of the Clinton Global Initiative. This women’s based sustainable rural development model is being tested in Turkey.
Design & Facilitation of Breakthrough Events
(Summits, Workshops)
To catalyze rapid economic transformation, ETG has supported regions in designing and conducting major economic and sustainability summits worldwide. Economic summits and sustainability conferences range from several hundred to many thousand participants. Examples include: West Coast Green – the world’s largest green housing conference and expo; Southern Chile’s Regional Leadership Summit; North Dakota Economic Round-up; Panama’s “Compite Panama” launch; Mendoza Argentina’s Tourism Summit; El Paso Economic Summit; Guyana’s Presidential Economic Summit. Team building, leadership development, coaching. In addition to conducting large economic/sustainability events and cluster trainings, ETG also engages with development agencies, institutions, and NGO’s to help with team building, leadership development, organizational development, and coaching.
ETG is also a world leader in designing “fast-track” action events to stimulate breakthough strategies and action. Whereas typical consulting usually involves an extensive analysis and “study” phase, ETG relies on existing studies to leapfrog “analysis paralysis,” and instead, engage leaders rapidly in developing and implementing breakthrough strategies and actions.
Training & Capacity Building
ETG conducts leading edge trainer training workshops designed to evoke the maximum intelligence of the participants. Our trainer training is based on pedagogical practice that leverages a range of learning capacities and integrates all of the senses.
ETG has developed a series of highly interactive cluster training workshops to meet different needs from first-timers to advanced cluster practitioners, from 1/2 day to week-long intensives. We have successfully trained more than 3,000 people across five continents, conducting more than 100 cluster trainings in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and half a dozen other languages.