Industrial clusters ideal
DAR ES SALAAM: CHAMA Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) presidential candidate, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, has outlined strategies to develop industrial clusters tailored to the resources and crops of each region.
Speaking at campaign rallies, she promised to strengthen Tanzania’s agricultural sector by continuing the supply of subsidised fertiliser and other essential farming inputs, while promoting avocado and tea farming to enhance both farmers’ livelihoods and the national economy.
Industrial clusters are geographical concentrations of interconnected firms, specialised suppliers, service providers and relevant institutions that operate within a specific industry or field.
These clusters foster competitive advantages for member firms by creating specialised labour pools, shared knowledge, access to specific technologies and supporting infrastructure, which leads to increased innovation and productivity.
Key components of an industrial cluster are interconnected firms: A group of related companies that produce goods and services for the same markets or have overlapping supply chains. Specialised suppliers: Businesses that provide specific inputs, components, or services to the cluster’s core industries.
Supporting institutions: Universities, research centres, trade associations and government bodies that offer education, training, research and technical support.
Skilled labour pool: A concentration of workers with the specialised skills needed by the cluster’s industries, making it easier for firms to find and hire qualified staff. Shared knowledge and information: A flow of ideas and information among cluster members, fostering innovation through knowledge spillovers and collaborative learning.
Benefits of industrial clusters include increased productivity: Firms can access specialised inputs and services more efficiently.
Enhanced Innovation: Proximity to competitors and collaborators facilitates knowledge transfer, leading to new products, processes and business models.
New business formation: A thriving cluster attracts further investment and sparks the creation of new, specialised firms.
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Economic development: Clusters are a core strategy for economic development, creating jobs, promoting exports and driving regional growth.
Competitive advantage: The network of relationships and resources within a cluster provides an enticement for companies to develop or relocate to the region. All the best in implementing these pledges after election.
