Debate: Is Clustering to Compete Realistic?

Leading CEOs to Debate: Is Clustering to Compete Realistic?

On 21 July, four leading CEOs will descend on the Waikato Innovation Park to participate in a debate on the topic: “Partnering to Compete: Realistic or Idealistic?”

The panel discussion will see the CEOs debate whether it is realistic for New Zealand companies, who are often competitors within the New Zealand marketplace, to partner in order to tap into export markets.

Confirmed panel participants are Graham Stewart, CEO of Sealord Group; Paul McGilvary, CEO of Tatua; Brett Hewlett, CEO of Comvita; and Andy West, former CEO of AgResearch and newly appointed Head of Strategy for Seales Performance Stockfeed.

Derek Fairweather, CEO of the Waikato Innovation Park, says the topic of clustering is more relevant than ever for companies operating in New Zealand’s agricultural industries.

“Take the agricultural technology sector as an example. International demand for beef and dairy products is escalating around the world as countries look to secure food supplies for their growing populations. And with the growth of beef and dairy farming, the demand for smart agricultural technologies is growing exponentially.

“New Zealand is the best-placed country to capture some of the gains to be made as a result of this growth. But, often, many of our companies are too small to go it alone overseas and succeed. More so than ever before, companies need to be looking for ways of collaborating in order to tap into new markets quickly and successfully,” explains Mr Fairweather.

Panellists at the 21 July event will share relevant case studies based on their company’s experiences of clustering to compete offshore. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to test panellists’ opinions and join in the debate.

The debate is part of a revival of the AgBio New Zealand Cluster, led by the Waikato Innovation Park and sponsored by James & Wells. It is the first Cluster event held in several years.

The cluster is a grouping of New Zealand organisations – many of them headquartered in the Waikato region - in the agriculture, agricultural technology and agricultural science fields.

The panel event is open to Cluster members only. To join the Cluster at minimal cost, companies can phone the Innovation Park on 07 857 0500 to request a membership application form and information on upcoming events.

ENDS

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