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June 2013 Newsletter

U.S. Cluster Mapping Tool: A Powerful New Economic Development Resource

The U.S. Cluster Mapping website is a first-of-its-kind interactive portal created by the Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness at Harvard Business School in partnership with EDA. It offers a unique set of tools that can help businesses, policymakers, and researchers better understand the dynamics of clusters and put that knowledge to work in economic development. These include:

• visual data and statistical tools to assess regional clusters and the characteristics of business environment;
• a resource library of research to formulate economic development strategies; and
• a directory that allows users to profile cluster organizations and initiatives throughout the country.

In addition, “Data QuickStarts” provides examples that introduce users to the breadth of data available and provide key analyses for better understanding clusters, the cluster composition of regions, and their overall performance.

By registering, users can save and later retrieve the data and cluster research they’ve conducted. An online member directory enhances the utility of the site, providing the basis for establishment of a virtual community that allows cluster initiatives from around the country to interact, showcase their activities, and promote their events.

The U.S. Cluster Mapping website is currently in Alpha form, and user feedback is encouraged via a link on the website’s homepage.