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TCI is the leading global network for practitioners, policy makers, researchers and business leaders working towards improving competitiveness in regions and clusters. TCI is a non-profit, non-governmental organization, with a global scope, open to members from all countries throughout the private, public and voluntary sector. Our member base currently consists of 800 leading practitioners from more than 65 countries. TCI is financed through annual membership fees. Become a member and join TCI network!

Article by Alberto Pezzi, TCI Secretary

Here we are. Even if for some of us it seems it happened yesterday, last week TCI has celebrated its tenth anniversary.
That first conference, organized in Barcelona by something more than an informal group of cluster practitioners (already from all five continents and gathering some of the probably most knowledgeable people on a still young cluster theory), took place on 3-5 November 1998 and it could be considered TCI foundation.

A successful 11th TCI Annual Global Conference, Cape Town 2008! The organizing committee would like to thank all the participants very much for taking active part and contributing to the success of the event.
With 400 participants coming from 54 countries and more than 70 speakers, we can say that the 11th edition of TCI Annual Global Conference was a great success and has contributed once again to highlight the role of cluster practitioners and economic development on the world map of competitiveness and innovation. Apart from the quality of the sessions and speakers, Cape Town offered a good opportunity for people to meet with colleagues, policymakers, researchers, business entrepreneurs, cluster managers and facilitators and engage in lively discussions in a superb atmosphere.

The 11th TCI Annual Global Conference in Cape Town provided a great atmosphere for networking among participants. As a consequence, several initiatives and new projects have emerged for the future. The Open Project Forum section in TCI website will be the meeting point for interested people and will be used for posting further material, discussions and information about the mentioned initiatives.

"Managing a region's structural change
in global competition: technology, people, policy."
Leipzig, Germany. 22-26 June 2009, Leipzig
The Organizing Committee is already working on next TCI Annual Global Conference, that will be held on June 22-26 in Leipzig, the heart of Central Germany.
Book the dates and keep informed about the conference on www.clusters2009.com

Clusters: Balancing Evolutionary and Constructive Forces
This new publication on clusters was presented by its author, Örjan Sölvell at the 11th TCI Annual Global Conference in Cape Town 2008, South Africa. The Redbook is the outcome of many years of research around clusters, statistical cluster mapping, cluster initiatives, and cluster policy. It gives the reader an overview of the field, and shows how clusters can be used as a constructive tool, not only for scholars but also for cluster practitioners, industry, academic and political leaders, and civil servants working with clusters, regional development and innovation.

30 November 2008, Europe
What skills do cluster managers need to fulfil their tasks? What kind of trainings are necessary to meet their future challenges? The first large scale survey supported by PRO INNO Europe on the skills and training needs of European cluster managers is aimed at proceeding towards a clearer job profile and preparing the ground for future trainings on a European scale. Your participation is important: Cluster Organisations and Clustermanagers should participate. This survey is completed by cluster practitioners, for cluster practitioners.

TCI Secretariat has moved from Technology Park Valles to 22@Innovation District in Barcelona. New address