Published on 26/01/2024. Written by Rikke Nagell-Kleven, Innovation Consultant at Hethel Innovation and Seaweed in East Anglia (SEA) Project Manager.
This report was conducted as part of the SEA project. The project is led by Hethel Innovation in collaboration with The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) and the University of East Anglia (UEA). The SEA project is funded by the Norfolk Investment Framework, Norfolk County Council, UK.
The link to the PDF version of the report can be found here.
Recommended Next Steps as Identified in the Report:
- Work with other sector clusters in the UK and abroad who have been through a similar process and development. Learn from their experiences and take this into consideration when doing further planning and building of the cluster.
- Mapping exercise – create a cluster network map and describe the geography of the proposed seaweed cluster group.
- Engage with existing networks to understand how an overarching cluster could work beneficially with their existing activities, and to enable their activities and regional needs to be factored into cluster planning.
- Identify associated costs with establishing a formalised seaweed cluster network and platform.
- Assess funding opportunities for the cluster network including a membership model and sponsorship.
- Organise a meeting with stakeholders who can act as the first Steering Group or Committee for the proposed leading Norfolk micro cluster to start the planning process.
- Develop a business plan and marketing strategy to define the actions needed to make the cluster network launch a success.
This report was written with much appreciated support and advice from Professor Naresh Pandit, Professor of International Business at Norwich Business School as well as from Dr Colette Matthewman, Relationship Manager for Marine, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Research and Innovation Services, University of East Anglia.
This work has been possible thanks to the Norfolk Investment Framework, Norfolk County Council.
