Even though New Zealand already has many naturally occurring clusters of related companies that are co-located within a specific geography, few have developed into the more formal clustering initiatives that are common in Europe and other parts of the world.
The pilot groups have been announced, read more here.
The Digital Cluster Initiative Pilot has now concluded. Thank you for your interest and support.
cluster | pūrei
[/ˈklʌstə/] noun
Clusters are groups of interconnected businesses, suppliers and associated institutions that collaborate to solve common problems and benefit from scale.
The Digital Cluster Initiative will help build three different types of pilot clusters in Aotearoa-New Zealand:
Traditional Cluster Example
A cluster of businesses based around a geographical area and with an area of specialisation. This could, for example, involve an industry or trade body, Chamber of Commerce, Iwi- or hapū-based group, trust, council, or artist collective.
Another example of a Traditional cluster might be the wine industry out of Blenheim, or oyster production in Te Hiku in the Far North. Or it could perhaps be avocado farming and products from the Bay of Plenty, or kumara growers in Kaipara, or the small seeds industry in South Canterbury. The Traditional cluster is an opportunity for businesses within a common industry in the same area to come together and centralise their members and products online. As a digital cluster, the group can market themselves collectively, collaborate and benefit from scale, and access customers directly to help retain margins and increase revenue.
Virtual Cluster Example
A network of businesses with an area of specialisation or commonality but not based around a specific geographical area. This could involve a trade body, an association, an industry such as honey or a specific crop, an Iwi- or hapū-based group, or a business network with distribution commonalities such as outdoor apparel or sports equipment.
Another example of a Virtual cluster might be craft beer producers from across Aotearoa who engage through a joint venture, collectively marketing themselves via their digital marketplace to key distributors, in both the domestic and international markets. Or perhaps steel fabricators from different regions with complementary products manufacturing, such as bearings, pipes or beams, working together as a one-stop shop for the Australian market with custom shipments. Producers of natural health products across New Zealand, for example Rongoā (Māori traditional healing, including remedies) or organic body and healthcare, could market collectively to explore new markets, online.
Local Cluster Example
A cluster of businesses that is very localised or regionalised but that doesn't have one particular area of specialisation. This could involve a Chamber of Commerce, an Iwi or hapū-based group, a council, trust, or marae, a business association or farmers market.
Another example of a Local cluster might be the Martinborough Fair. Stallholders could take their products online allowing customers to find them and purchase anytime, not just on the two Saturdays in February and March. Through collaboration and collective marketing, stallholders could propel themselves into new online markets not limited by calendar dates. Or a Local cluster could be formed around a town, for example, Tokoroa. Local businesses and artisans could band together, build a brand and market themselves collectively, and access new markets online beyond their local boundaries. The Local cluster is an opportunity to become the most digitally-advanced town, market, Iwi, council, trust, hapū or similar in Aotearoa New Zealand, collectively marketing and offering its products far beyond just local.
Which Cluster Type am I?
