Sustainable Clusters

The Jamaica Exporters Association (JEA), through The Competitiveness Company, implements the Sustainable Clusters Project.  A cluster includes all the related and supporting industries involved in the production and delivery of a specific product or service. The project is expected to improve/increase the revenues of cluster members; provide organizational frameworks that lead to sustainability, strengthen supply chains and increase knowledge and understanding of industries.  As part of the cluster process, particular attention will be paid to coordinating and promoting:

·         intra and inter cluster business linkages;

·         appropriate financing to export-ready firms;

·         the provision of technical assistance, especially those interventions that are aimed at improving

          firm-level profitability and the adoption of new technologies;

·         conducting and training in market research for cluster members; and,

·         support for the implementation of donor-funded programs such as the Private Sector Development

          Programme (PSDP) as well as any other complementary initiatives that might arise.

Under the project agreement the JEA through the Competitiveness Company will be working with the following clusters:

·         Ornamental Fish Cluster (Agribusiness);

·         Sauces and Spices (Agribusiness); 

·         Entertainment and Culture Cluster with the Music sub-cluster initiatives being coordinated by Jamaica

          Signature Beats (JSB).

An important part of the support envisaged through to December 2008, is to ensure that all activities and interventions are firmly rooted in and driven by the profit motive at the firm and individual levels. Linkages to financial programs will be created to stimulate cluster growth and increase production. These linkages should also provide the opportunity to transfer improved production practices, technology, and improved access to know–how to the sectors.  An important aspect of Cluster Work is the opportunity that it presents to demonstrate the individual and collective benefits of collaboration and the rewards of cooperation for firms and industries.

 

All Economic Growth activities