In 2005, The Oregon Business Plan launched the Oregon Industry Cluster Network to identify Oregon's mature, emerging, and potential industry clusters and assist cluster participants as they work to accelerate innovation and the growth of their industries.
By consciously connecting industry leaders with university researchers, schools, media, venture capital, and other resources, the network will help generate new prospects for business recruitment, develop relevant economic & market data, guide public policy, and help cluster facilitators across the state share best practices and develop a regional collaborative advantage.
Cluster Network activities are guided by the Cluster Network Steering Committee, a smaller group of leaders representing clusters at all stages of cluster development.
The Network meets quarterly to discuss progress on cluster-based economic development, lead focused discussions on issues that cut-across clusters, share best practices, and plan for key events and opportunities such as the Oregon Leadership Summit. Anyone interested in advancing cluster-based economic development is welcome to attend the Cluster Network meetings.
The Cluster Network meetings are chaired by Duncan Wyse, President of the Oregon Business Council and Scott Nelson, Jobs and Economy Advisor, Office of Governor John Kitzhaber. The network is staffed by Kyle Ritchey-Noll, Consultant to the Oregon Business Council.