Action-Oriented SectorStim Cluster Development Process to be Presented by Strategro International at Upcoming Saskatchewan Seminar hosted by AG West Bio trade organization.

Toronto April 1 2008

International business development expert Rune G. Nilssen of Strategro International is addressing an audience of innovators, policy makers and entreprenuers April 23rd as the keynote speaker at the Ag-West Bio Seminar in Saskatchewan. Ag-West Bio is a membership-based trade organization at the forefront of Saskatchewan's bio-economy. Nilssen will address the group on Strategro's SectorStim™ process, an innovative and ground-breaking approach to cluster development. 

Nilssen will highlight how Strategro's SectorStim process and cluster development focus was created, as the company sought to develop solutions for cities and regions dealing with common sector growth issues. The event will showcase how Strategro has assisted clients that are struggling with the identification and organization of their industry clusters, looking for solutions to reverse stagnant industry growth trends, and in need of future cluster growth strategies which can effectively help motivate governments to provide more favorable sector policies and resource allocations.

Although the Strategro SectorStim process is based on traditional cluster development theory, it is different than other cluster development tools and methodologies because it concentrates on dynamic cluster development issues at the "action level." Nilssen's presentation will explain how the SectorStim approach is different from cluster analysis processes, which are typically grounded in quantitative benchmarks. SectorStim delves into key qualitative issues such as collaboration, information sharing, mentorship and partnering.
"The process itself analyzes all sector stakeholders - as well as the entire life cycle of innovation - from idea creation to business expansion," Nilssen said. "A typical engagement will address issues such as sector dynamics, infrastructure and systems for collaboration, funding deficiencies, and policies and procedures influencing or limiting innovation and entrepreneurship."

SectorStim can apply to any industry in any market, to address very limited sector objectives to fully comprehensive challenges, largely evident by the growing, diverse and international Strategro client list. 
“Although industry clusters and cluster development is nothing new, there is an increased need and interest to look closer into how these cluster formations can be optimized, and to identify the weaknesses in the system that are hampering growth”, remarked Nilssen.

Nilssen is a partner with Strategro Consulting, an international market entry and business growth firm working with companies and organizations within the functional foods, nutraceuticals, marine biotechnology and life science sectors. He is heading up the company’s Toronto office, and has extensive international business development experience in biotechnology and life sciences, food and health technology, financial services and information technology. 
 
Additional information regarding Strategro and the SectorStim process can be found at the company’s website at www.SectorStim.com , or by contacting the company directl at info(at)strategro.com.