Clustering Training for Clusters' Nucleus - ACT SMART Innovation Hub

Background

Berytech is a leading organization in the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Lebanon, providing a conducive environment for the creation and development of startups through incubation, business support, counseling, funding, networking, and company hosting. 

As part of its mission to drive sustainable economic growth, and under ACT SMART Innovation Hub Program, Berytech is establishing 2 new clusters:

Sustainable Energy Cluster

Waste Management and Valorization Cluster

Bringing together key stakeholders to strengthen the relevant local sectors, foster collaboration, and enhance market opportunities. 

Objectives

Berytech seeks a qualified trainer to conduct a comprehensive training session tailored to the core team (the nucleus) of its two clusters currently being formed – the Sustainable Energy Cluster and the Waste Valorization Cluster. The training will focus on building foundational knowledge in cluster formation and management, emphasizing their role in driving collaboration, innovation, and competitiveness among businesses.

The purpose of this training is to equip the cluster nucleus with the knowledge, tools and best practices needed to build and sustain success, ensuring long-term impact and alignment with international standards.

The consultant will work under the direct guidance of both cluster managers, in close coordination with the Program Director at Berytech.

Key objectives:

• To provide an in-depth understanding of clusters, their structure and how they function.
• To explore the role of clusters in enhancing collaboration, fostering innovation, and increasing competitiveness.
• To showcase successful international case studies of cluster development highlighting strategies, key outcomes and lessons learned.
• Offer practical recommendations for stakeholders on forming and sustaining effective clusters in Lebanon.

Scope of Work

The consultant should deliver the following requirements:

• Focused Training
  • Cluster Concept Overview: Provide a comprehensive overview of the cluster concept and their relevance to innovation-driven sectors particularly sustainable energy and waste valorization.
  • Enhancing Competitiveness and Innovation: Discuss how clusters can enhance competitiveness, innovation and sectoral growth, focusing on sustainable energy and waste valorization sectors.
  • Building and Nurturing Successful Clusters: Provide practical insights into the steps involved in building and nurturing a successful cluster. Cover governance, collaboration models, and the role of various stakeholders.
  • Networking and Partnerships: Highlight the importance of networking and explore different collaboration models that promote synergies among members.
  • Cluster Lifecycle: Explain the typical lifecycle of clusters, offering guidance on how nucleus members can strategically foster development at each stage.
• Case Study Presentations
  • Global Cluster Examples: Present global examples of successful clusters, focusing on key industries or sectors relevant to waste valorization and sustainable energy.
  • Analysis of Strategies and Outcomes: Analyze their strategies for growth, innovation, and sustainability and examine the challenges they faced and how they were overcome.

Qualifications

The consultant should have the following qualifications:

• Proven expertise in cluster development, management, and strategy.
• Experience conducting training sessions for diverse stakeholders.
• Proven experience working with international clusters, particularly in the MENA region.
• Strong facilitation and communication skills.
• Familiarity with international best practices and successful cluster case studies.

Deliverables
The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

• A detailed training agenda and materials (slides, handouts, etc.).
• 1 day training for the nucleus team (around 30 people)

Selection Criteria

To ensure the selection of the most qualified candidate, the following criteria will be used to assess expertise, experience, and approach:

• Expertise in Cluster Development and Management
• Training Experience and Methodology
• Relevant International Experience
• Proposal Quality and Approach

Timeline And Application

The training will be a one-day session in the second week of March, with the possibility of extending depending on the needs of the cluster nucleus.