ÿþ<%@LANGUAGE="VBSCRIPT" CODEPAGE="1252"%> <html> <head> <title>e-Newsletter Clusterkraft</title> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> </head> <body> <div align="center"> <table width="98%" border="0"> <tr> <td bgcolor="#FFFFCC"> <div align="center"> <p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><font size="2">Clusterkraft e-Newsletter (Vol.8)</font></strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br> <strong>National </strong></font></p> <div align="justify"> <ul> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">IDBI signs MoU with SIDBI for SME development. </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Nabard to promote rural-tourism by focusing the artisanal Clusters . </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Infighting between groups affects Hubli's Valve and garment Clusters. </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">SME, KVIC Bills to develop the SSI and the Cluster sector. </font></li> </ul> </div> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>International </strong></font></p> <div align="justify"> <ul> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">New Market Research on Argentina SME Clusters. </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Holland wood cluster to invest more for job opportunities in the USA </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Abu Dhabi bids to be logistics hub for Industrial Clusters. </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">10 Taiwanese bike manufacturing Clusters investing $30m in Subic zone. </font></li> </ul> </div> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Article </strong></font></p> <div align="justify"> <ul> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">From Village Artisans to Industrial Clusters: Agendas and Policy Gaps. </font></li> </ul> </div> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>New Books </strong></font></p> <div align="justify"> <ul> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Industrial cluster in Asia . </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Indian Industrial Clusters. <br> </font></li> </ul> </div> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>National </strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>IDBI signs MoU with SIDBI for SME development. </strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">State-owned IDBI Ltd have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) for co-financing small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the service sector and infrastructure projects in domestic industrial clusters. Through this tie-up, both these institutions also aim at providing  anywhere banking' facilities for SMEs. SIDBIs current account with IDBI would enable SME borrowers to avail of this facility with IDBI branches located in the same vicinity.<br> <a href="http://www.clusters.org/result.asp?id=215">More& </a></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Nabard to promote rural-tourism by focusing the artisanal Clusters. </strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">To promote Indian rural handicrafts industry among foreign tourists, Nabard is now roping in the tourism boards and other govt agencies. This initiative is part of Nabard's home-based rural tourism and agri-tourism activities. Indian handicrafts have a big international market. However, the local artisans do not have an organized mechanism to showcase their products to the customers. Since, India attracts many tourists from western countries; the rural handicrafts industry would have better exposure and a ready market through our initiative. <br> <a href="http://www.clusters.org/result.asp?id=220%20">More& </a></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Infighting between groups affects Hubli's valve and garment Clusters </strong>. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Internal aggression between groups became a hindrance for Hubli to become a potential zone for export. The Karnataka government had sent a proposal to the Centre to declare some towns in the state as industrial clusters for a particular type of activity. It had proposed Belgaum as foundry cluster, Bellary as garments cluster and Hubli as valves cluster.<br> <a href="http://www.clusters.org/result.asp?id=218%20">More& </a></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>SME, KVIC Bills to develop the SSI and the Cluster sector. </strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development Bill and the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Bill will expedite development of small scale sector in the country according to the ministry of SSI.The SME and KVIC Bills will have more features required for development of the SSI sector contributing to about 40 per cent of the total production in the country. <br> <a href="http://www.clusters.org/result.asp?id=219%20">More& </a></font></p> <p align="justify"> <font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>International </strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>New Market Research on Argentina SME Clusters </strong>. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Latin American Markets launched a new market research on Argentina Small and Medium Business. This research analyzes the main qualitative and quantitative of the small and medium business productive structure in Argentina . The report describes the composition of such productive structure by sector and sub-sector into the different economic activities, location information, employment and sales and revenues by the sector.<br> <a href="http://www.clusters.org/result.asp?id=216%20">More& </a></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Holland wood cluster to invest more for job opportunities in the USA </strong>. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Tech-Wood, a Dutch manufacturer of wood composite materials, announced today that it will invest $150 million and create between 200-250 jobs in Greenwood County . At least 90 percent of those jobs will come from the area's workforce. The company uses a patented technology to manufacture wood composite materials that are used in such products as decking, railing systems, siding and a variety of other building materials. <br> <a href="http://www.clusters.org/result.asp?id=217%20">More& </a></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Abu Dhabi bids to be logistics hub for Industrial Clusters </strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Abu Dhabi has thrown another punch in its fight to claim Dubai 's title as the logistics hub of the Middle East . Having already launched its own airline and announced plans to expand both its airport and seaport, the UAE capital has now passed a law allowing 100% foreign ownership of companies based in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) and a number of other planned free zones.<br> <a href="http://www.clusters.org/result.asp?id=222%20">More& </a></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>10 Taiwanese bike manufacturing Clusters investing $30m in Subic zone </strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">At least 10 bicycle makers from Taiwan are set to invest as much as $30 million in Subic Bay . A cluster of at least 10 Taiwanese bicycle makers are very keen on investing a low of $15 million to as much as $30 million for a hub in Subic.The cluster of bike makers would require around 20 hectares within the former military base. The firms would manufacture various parts like Shimano transmission but the output of the cluster is the whole bicycle. <br> <a href="http://www.clusters.org/result.asp?id=223%20">More& </a></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Article </strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>From Village Artisans to Industrial Clusters: Agendas and Policy Gaps. </strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">In this paper Ashwani Saith offers a broad strategic assessment of the experience of rural industrialization in India . It does so from a policy perspective with the aim eventually of highlighting specific outstanding policy issues. Rural and small-scale industrialization (RSSI) has held a special place in Indian development thinking and policy formulation from the outset.<br> <a href="http://www.clusters.org/result.asp?id=221%20">More& </a></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>New Books </strong></font></p> <table width="15%" border="1" align="right" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" bordercolor="#FFFF33"> <tr> <td><div align="center"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img width="123" height="190" src="http://clusters.org/newsletter_vol8_clip_image001.gif"> </font></div></td> </tr> </table> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Industrial cluster in Asia </strong>.<br> </font><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><em>Analyses of Their Competition and Cooperation </em></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Written by authors Akifumi Kuchiki Director-General at the Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization (IDE-JETRO), Japan and Masatsugu Tsuji, Professor of Economics at Osaka School of International Public Policy, Osaka University, Japan focuses on the world trend that provides a framework for strategy that is required not only for Japanese local governments to implement industrial cluster policy, but also for firms to survive the global competition. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Indian Industrial Clusters </strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Edited by Keshab Das, Associate Professor at the Gujarat Institute of Development Research, Ahmedabad , India , and this book presents an in-depth analysis of the functional dynamics of Indian industrial clusters which have grown and stayed as hubs of business activity in India , thanks to a large calibrated domestic market for goods. The examples given contribute towards the understanding of theoretical underpinnings of small firm clusters in LDCs and also indicate steps towards effective policy making for SME development in general, and local economic regeneration in LDCs in particular. The industries studied include modern as well as traditional/artisanal sectors which span At Least Ten Indian States. They provide insights into informality, labour, inter-firm relationship (cooperation and competition), technological and organizational flexibility, and forms of supportive institutional arrangements and nature of linkages with agencies external to the cluster, among other things. This book will be of particular interest to SME practitioners and to students and researchers of economics, business management, regional development, economic geography, industrial sociology and industrial organization. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Did You Know? </strong></font></p> <h1 align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The State of Karnataka </font></h1> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The state of Karnataka has always held an artistically rich place in Indian history. Its handicrafts present a signature of the beauty that the state has to offer in different forms and patterns. The state is diversely rich in varied sectors encompassing a varied range of crafts manifesting the life of the local artisans. The richness of the state in varied crafts has been adequately represented in the Pie Chart. </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img src="http://clusters.org/newsletter_vol8_clip_image003.gif" width="676" height="545" border="1"></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Pie Chart above represents Sectoral Distribution of Artisanal Clusters in Karnataka. </strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The distribution among the various sectors in Karnataka gives a clear view of the <strong>Textile Clusters </strong> that are the maximum in number. Products include sarees in over hundred-color combinations-Mysore Crepe Silk, Chiffons, Georgettes, Jacquards, Crepe-de-Chinese, Dress Material, Silk Shirts, Furnishings, Ties, Scarves and Cravats. Silk waste, processed to produce spun silk yarn is used to manufacture silk carpets in Kashmir. Bangalore handles the entire manufacturing process from cocoon to fabric. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The state is also fast catching on with fashion heavens of Bombay and Delhi for the status of premier destination of fashion technology in India. Karnataka, known for its traditional designs and silks for a long time gives space for the Textiles sector to enjoy a pride place in the economic activities of the State. The influence of artistic flair of people of Karnataka is evident in every ethnic design created by ace designers.<strong>&nbsp; </strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Woodwork Clusters </strong> constitute for around 15% of the clusters in the state. One can find a wide range of images like caskets, photo frames, and trays. Paperweights, fans and other decorative and utility items Sandalwood carvings from Karnataka, is exquisite and makes excellent gifts. Sandalwood and rosewood carvings, wood inlay-work, lacquer work that is done in abundance in a superlative medium of delicate craftsmanship to it. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Metalwork Clusters </strong>constitute for around 14% of the clusters in the state. The Bronze temple carvings with their graceful figurines and metalwork in brass and copper are available in Bangalore , although produced chiefly in Hubli, Belgaum and Mysore . The variety of purposes since Vedic times, have been moulded into fabulous religious objects, ritualistic items and objects of utility. The literary writings, especially the Rig Veda and other archaeological evidences clearly establish the art of bronze casting to be more than 5000 years old. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The images of bronze are believed to radiate the energy of the divine and so the images of divine immortality are largely cast in bronze. Some of the fine cast icons are to be found in the south of India , in centres such as Mysore . The development in the craftsmanship and in technology has led to many a technique for the ornamentation of metals like <strong>'Bidri </strong>' (or damascening with Zinc as the base) and is performed by skilled artisans. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Cane &amp; Bamboo Clusters </strong> contributes for 12% of the clusters. The main products that are sold in these clusters are those of decorative mats, boxes, suitcases and other such items. This is one of the traditional and authentic crafts practiced in the clusters. With the increased and every evident use of the product they are in constant demand. Although the product might not be sold much beyond Maharashtra but is mainly meant for local consumption within the state. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Earthenware, Accessories, Stoneware and Toys and Dolls Clusters </strong> form around 5-8% each, of the total clusters in the state. These are age-old crafts in Karnataka carried out in tiny segments in the state. The stoneware and accessories in particular sold in variety can be seen in the in varieties in big temples. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Karnataka is also known for its <strong>Horn and Bone Cluster </strong> products exquisitely produced in different shapes and sizes. The craft is practiced in only 2% of the total clusters of the state and can mostly be seen in Mysore in articles such as panels, trays, boxes, powder bowls, peg tables, cigarette cases.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><em>Disclaimer: This newsletter is published by clusters.org, a portal dedicated to Cluster Development Professionals. It aims at creating a platform and a resource for networking of Cluster Development Professionals. This email and the attached newsletter are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the members who have subscribed to it. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and primary and secondary data sources and do not necessarily represent those of  Clusterkraft.' </em></strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><em>If you are not the intended recipient of this email and the newsletter, you must take no action based upon them, nor must you copy or show them to anyone. Please contact the sender if you believe you have received this email by m istake. If you want to unsubscribe from our mailing list, you can do so by replying to this mail with the subject as  unsubscribe . Or click on the link below. </em></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><em><strong>& & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & . </strong></em></font></p> </div> </td> </tr> </table> <font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br> </font><font size="2"> </font> </div> </body> </html>