Found at: http://www.competitiveness.org/article/articleprint/114/-1/1/

Welcome to The Competitiveness Institute

TCI is a not-for-profit alliance of cluster practitioners. TCI's mission is to improve living standards and the local competitiveness of regions throughout the world, by fostering cluster-based development initiatives.

The Competitiveness Institute offers information on clusters and competitive regions worldwide. We use multiple arenas in real life and on the net for exchange of ideas, knowledge and experiences on methodologies for economic growth. We work on clusters, innovation systems, promotion of entrepreneurship and regional branding.

Our membership base is more than 800 leading practitioners from all levels of governments, Academia and from the private sector, coming from more than 60 countries. By sharing knowledge and experience members gain access to leading insights and expertise and the most recent global developments in competitiveness theory.

Newsletter Every month the TCI newsletter features news about cluster initiatives from its members in America, Asia Pacific, Europe, The Middle East and Africa. The newsletter provides direct links to recent publications and points of interest from academics and practitioners in cluster theory. Furthermore readers are informed about news and events (including the annual conferences) concerning competitive strategy and policy on a global level. To receive a copy of the newsletter sign up in the web site (see the "TCI newsletter" box in the right hand column.

Annual conference

TCI hosts its annual conferences in outstanding locations around the globe: Barcelona, Varese, Glasgow, Tucson, Cairns,Gothenburg, Ottawa, Hong Kong, Lyon, Portland and this year in Cape Town

Members join together to share ideas, build alliances and explore the best modes of economic development. Additionally information is offered about specific clusters, introductory courses on cluster theory and presentations given by an array of world experts. Find out more

Networks

In order to provide information about past cluster projects and reports about new developments, TCI has established a cluster database and contact list. Members can request particular information and seek advice from those who appear on the contact list to assist with their own ventures. This is particularly useful for those wanting to consult with other professionals in their field or swap expertise between different working environments.