This is part 5 of a 5-part, self-guided series on cluster identification.
Beyond Identification
Session 5 | Shifting from cluster analysis to strategy and development
Session Agenda
- Strategy & initiative design
- Creating a cluster organization
- Measurement & evaluation
- Evolving your approach
Session Slides
View the embedded slides or use the link below to download them as a pdf.
Download the slides [pdf].
Terms & concepts
- Evaluation – Assessing an effort’s impact toward achieving larger goals, typically after a period of implementation. Builds on measurement.
- Logic Model – A strategy development approach that seeks to align goals to activities and activities to outputs while also identifying metrics for outputs and outcomes. Supports measurement and evaluation while also providing a tool to test the validity of a strategy.
- Measurement – Tracking what an effort does and its immediate outcomes. Best when initiated alongside implementation. Supports evaluation.
Next session
There is no next session. Start identifying your regional clusters. If you need additional support, contact info [at ] excelregions.com.
Further reading
- How to create cluster strategies:
- German Cooperation (GIZ). 2021. Cluster Development Guide.
- RTI International. “Resource Library: Industry Cluster Development.” Building Better Regions.
- New Growth Innovation Network. Tech Equity in Action Report & Worksheets.
- ICIC. (2017). Cluster Growth Toolkit.
- Examples of cluster strategies:
- Porter, M.E. & Monitor Company Group. (2003). New Jersey Life Science Super-Cluster Initiative.
- Rittenberg, J. (2025). “Clusters feature prominently in local strategies.” Excel Regional Solutions.
- Tallwood Design Institute & Business Oregon. (2020). Identifying Drivers and Barriers for Investing in Oregon’s Mass Timber Manufacturing Supply Chain.
Presentation files are compressed to save space. If you need a higher-quality version for printing, contact info [at] excelregions.com.